She sits on her floor, tucked into the corner farthest from the door. Her knees tucked to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs and clasped in a death grip. Her forehead rests on her knees, hiding her face from her deserted room and everything beyond the walls that use to bring her comfort.

Tears roll down her reddened cheeks. The knees of her jeans are dark from the water. Her eyes ache from crying; her muscles ache from rejection; her heart aches from truth.

She takes a deep breath to still her sobs and grabs a phone. She dials a number that will forever be imprinted in her memory. She holds her breath as the phone rings, causing her agonizing pain.

There was a click mid ring and a voice she knew well said “Hello?”

There was no emotion in his voice other than curiosity and she was thankful for that. Her voice cracked as she said, “I know you don’t want to speak with me… but I wanted you to be the first to know… I am not asking for anything from you… I just needed you to know… I have cancer.”