Through a pane of glass, I saw Brian, his body riddled with tubes.

"Have the medical expenses been paid?" the doctor asked.

I was at a loss for a moment, replying, "I'm sorry, I forgot my bank card password."

"Try again. Your husband's condition is critical; this is the time when he needs you the most. If the fees continue to be outstanding, we will not be able to use many medications," the doctor urged.

"Okay," I agreed.

I didn't have much money on me, nor a place to stay, so I wandered around the payment window all day, entering the password incorrectly over and over again.

The staff at...