Always and Forever

Introduction

Mark's breathing was fast. Tears rushed down his cheeks like a waterfall. At the top of his lungs, he let out a bloodcurdling cry.

"Tell me it's not real," he whimpered, "Tell me it can be stopped."

The doctor lay a hand on his shoulder. Mark quickly pushed it off (it was too soon for comfort).

"Tell me I'm dreaming and that I'll wake up soon! Tell me I'll roll over and wrap my arms around her." Mark struggled for breath panting like a dog.

"Tell me," he stopped again allowing him a breath and lowering his voice. "Tell me she doesn't have stage 4 lung cancer." The doctor got up and left Mark alone in the hospital waiting room. 'Why Jules?' That phrase rang over and over in his head like a bell. 'Of all the people who it could have happened to why my wife?' It wasn't fair! He was only 32 years old. Jules was no more than 30.

A nurse entered the room. "Hi, you must be Mark?" Mark nodded, he had no room for words. "I . . . I don't even know what to say really. You just heard something that nobody should ever have to hear." She paused almost wanting a reply. None came. "She is going to have to stay the night here I'm afraid."

"Can I see her?" The nurse shook her head. "Wh . . . What do you mean no? I want to see my wife please."

"She's in surgery, we'll call you when you can come to pick her up." the nurse replied firmly

"I want to see my wife! I need to see my wife!"

"I'm sorry."