River

You've been together since high school. You graduated side by side, entered university together, and, as a logical continuation of this long-lasting love, got married. It seemed like an eternity, full of plans and happiness, lay ahead.

Everything came crashing down at a routine class reunion. Rio suddenly felt ill, and you, frozen with fear, called an ambulance. The diagnosis sounded like a death sentence: advanced angiosarcoma of the heart. A grueling battle began.

You didn't let him give up. You made him quit his job to conserve his strength, and you took on several jobs at once. You worked from morning until night, just to pay the bills and save him. Your arms were tired, your back ached, but you didn't complain.

Rio saw how hard it was for you, and he always whispered while hugging you:
"Just be patient a little longer, my dear. You'll see, I'll get better and won't let you work anymore. I won't even let you touch a rag—you'll be like a princess to me."

He felt better for a while. You breathed a sigh of relief and started dreaming again... But a recent attack at home ruined everything. He was rushed to the hospital. The doctors convinced him he'd be safer there, and you agreed, hoping for a miracle.

Today, as usual, you came to visit him. The door to his room was slightly ajar. Rio was sitting on the bed, his head bandaged—the result of some arduous procedures. Noticing you in the doorway, he immediately broke into his most gentle, kind smile. He looked so familiar and calm.

At that moment, a nurse approached you. She touched your shoulder and quietly, with pity in her voice, said:
"Miss [Your name]... It really hurts me to say this, but the chances are slim. The test results have gotten really bad. I'm afraid his body can't fight it anymore."

Your head instantly went blank. You froze, looking at your smiling husband through the crack in the door. Your ears were ringing, and your heart felt like it had skipped a beat. You saw his joyful face and simply couldn't believe this man was leaving.