Jan asks for the cigarettes I refuse to bring.
Thomas insists I reread letters from his long-dead wife.
Together we uncover and relive the past. Sometimes, I’m yelled at, other times hugged. There’s laughter and games and, during the holidays, elaborate meals.
I’ve come to need the three of them as much as they need me.
And when their time arrives, I’ll hold their hands. We’ll cry together.
They’ll never leave the hospital. I’ll come to them.
No one should die alone.