THE SUPPORT SYSTEM
When Grace told her parents about her diagnosis, her mother burst into tears. "There must be something we can do," she said, clutching Grace's hand tightly.
Her father remained silent, his jaw clenched as he stared out the window. "We'll figure it out," he muttered, though his voice betrayed the helplessness he felt.
Amelia, her best friend since high school, arrived an hour later, her arms full of Grace's favorite snacks. "We're going to make the most of this, okay?" Amelia said, her voice firm as if sheer determination could add years to Grace's life.
Grace smiled weakly, grateful for their support, even if it didn't lessen the ache in her chest.
By the end of the week, Grace had decided she wouldn't let her diagnosis define her remaining time. She wasn't going to waste her days crying in bed.
She started with small steps. A walk through the park reminded her of how beautiful the world was. A phone call to an estranged cousin brought laughter she hadn't heard in years.
One chilly morning, Grace woke before dawn and climbed a hill near her apartment. As the sun rose, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in weeks.
Her time might be limited, but she was determined to make every second count.
It was a Thursday afternoon when Grace first saw him. She had decided to treat herself to coffee and a croissant at a local café.
Ethan was sitting by the window, his glasses slightly fogged as he sipped his drink. He looked out of place, dressed more formally than most of the other patrons, with a book open on the table in front of him.
Grace noticed his smile first—soft, kind, and strangely calming. She hadn't intended to stare, but when he glanced up and caught her eye, she quickly looked away, embarrassed.
A moment later, Ethan stood up and approached her table. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, holding his coffee cup.
Grace blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, sure. Why not?"
As he sat down, she felt a flutter of nervousness in her chest—a feeling she hadn't expected to experience ever again.