It's Monday, and Rhys was absent this morning. He texted me last night, explaining that it was his grandmother's monthly visit to the doctor today. I understood, but his absence left me feeling more vulnerable than usual.
Yesterday felt like a brief respite from everything. I visited Drew, and though it was wonderful to see him, it was clear he was getting worse. His body was thinner, weaker, and the toll of his illness was painfully obvious. On Thursday, he would undergo his second round of chemotherapy.
I spent the entire day with him, offering Martha a much-needed break. She was grateful, and I was thankful for the excuse to escape the torment at home. Being with Drew, even in his weakened state, was a relief compared to the constant fear and pain inflicted by my brother and cousin.
