In Love, Never Say Never (Ashton Fuller and Scarlett Stovall) novel Chapter 1630

I could empathize with Marcus if he refused to be seen by someone he loved in a state ravaged by illness. His emotions were my priority, and I would respect any decision he made.

Marcus stared at me quietly for a long time until it felt like the time and space around us were frozen. His pupils barely moved, and he did not seem angered by my presence. Only the arrhythmic beating of his heart assured me that he was still alive.

I took his silence as tactful rejection. Maybe Marcus was not prepared to see me yet.

Mustering a smile on my face, I nodded my head a fraction to let him know that I was not upset by his decision.

I had just turned around to leave when he said, “I knew you would come. Please take a seat.” I knew you would come. Please, sit.

The words rang in my head as I took a deep breath to push down the urge to burst into tears. I composed myself before returning to his bedside and taking a seat.

“How do you feel today? Better?” This sort of small talk felt rather cliché to me, yet it always seemed like the most natural thing to do.

“What would you like to hear? That I’m feeling great, or no?” Each word seemed to sap Marcus’ energy, though he stubbornly maintained that self-deprecating expression on his face.

Who are you trying to impress?

I smiled as I tucked the blankets around him and teased, “You shouldn’t concern yourself with my feelings at this point. You’re the patient here. So tell me how you really feel.”

Life felt like one of Shakespeare’s ironic comedies. It was the most trivial of matters that often courted the harshest criticisms and the most heartless words.

Yet, when it came time to knock on death’s door, one would wear a perpetual smile and assure everyone that everything was fine. It was as if living in denial could change one’s fate, even though it was no more than an act of self-deception.

The facade intensified as one inched closer to imminent death. In a sense, lying was the only way to pull through the agonizing journey toward the end.