"I only have a few months to live," he said, pointing toward the basket of cookies. "So I thought I'd better get these while I still can."
Allen reached out to touch the old man's arm. "How can you say something like that? You have nothing to worry about!"
"I know," he said softly. "But sometimes I lie here alone, wishing I weren't going to die."
Allen tried to imagine what it would be like to spend the rest of his life without ever seeing someone he cared about. The thought made him feel nauseated. How could he stand being alone if something happened to his parents or his brothers? What would become of him then?
The old man continued to look at him sadly. Allen could see tears forming in his eyes.
"I'll miss you, Allen," he said. "Take care of the family."
"Of course you will," he told him. "That goes without saying."
