Weep not for the memories

'Why do you act that way?'

'What do you mean?'

'You've been married for 35 years. Can't you be honest?'

'I'm not sure I follow...'

'Malynne, why do you cover your pain and put a smile, or rather grimace, on whenever he sees you?'

'Because I need to be strong for him.'

'Look, I get you love the man and that you need to put on your big-girl face especially when his arthritis is so bad to support him but why pretend you're something you're not? I don't think he would appreciate that.'

'What he doesn't know won't hurt him, Julia. And believe me, at this very moment, he is struggling through enough on his own; between his sister and mother dying and his body-wracking pain, he has enough on his plate. He doesn't need more.'

'How can you say that? How can you show him a false face just so he can sit in his own world in misery?'

'Because he doesn't need more added, okay?'

'What do you mean?'

'The results came back. I tested positive.'

'Malynne- I... uh..'

'Please don't. Like I said, I need to be strong for him and not break down.'

~

It was our pleasure knowing you Barbara. See you soon, indeed.

~