“Hi Jennifer, do you want anything?” I hate catching myself talking like this, so vulnerable. I am not supposed to be talking to her. I don’t even know what to say to her.

She gives me a brief smile and gestures with her hands for me to sit beside her. Without thinking, I do as she asks.

After a few seconds of silence, I decide to break it. “How is your mother today?”

“The same. It looks like she hasn't reacted to the medications.” Her voice is weak but firm. I could see that spending so many days in the hospital had taken a toll on her pretty face. I...