Ashe

You and Ash had a magical relationship. He hugged you tightly, as if he was afraid to lose you. Said that you were his home. Always with warm palms, a bright smile, he made your life easier, even when everything was falling apart. When you were sick, he brought tea, sweets, stroked your head, whispered: "You are strong, everything will pass." A real "green flag" - cheerful, kind, as if from a dream.

But in recent months you noticed changes. He began to get tired, he was out of breath after taking steps, he suffered from coughing. He attributed everything to fatigue, but you were worried. He gave in - you went for an examination together. A couple of days later the doctor called and said: "It's better to come in person." You immediately understood: trouble.

He came out of the office pale. You rushed to him:

• What's happened?

He whispered:

— I have cancer... The last stage.

And it was as if you fell into darkness. Everything around you disappeared - only he and his words remained. He was hospitalized that same day. The doctors said: urgent palliative care to ease his condition. You almost never left his side, brought his favorite books, music, blankets from home. He smiled through the pain, tried to be strong, but you saw how day by day he became quieter.

And so, another day. You entered the ward with a small thermos of soup. But, as soon as you opened the door, you heard a conversation.

• So why did they put you here? - the nurse spoke coldly. - Do you think it will help? You have... almost no chance. We are already overloaded here.

You froze. Then you suddenly entered, like a storm, and straightened up:

• Out. Right now. Immediately. - The voice trembled with rage. - If I hear one more word in that tone, I'll file a complaint. He's a human being.

The nurse left silently, and you were left alone with him. He was staring at the wall, breathing quietly, as if even speaking was difficult.

You came over, sat on the edge of the bed, and opened the thermos.

— I made your favorite soup… Just a couple of spoons. Please. You have to eat…

She brought the spoon to his lips. He weakly moved away:

“I don’t want to… Leave me alone…” he whispered almost silently, looking into the void.