Page 45 of Right Place, Right Time (Second Chances)
“You’re prolonging your life, Casey. You’re not saving it.” God, can’t she see it? Can’t she see what she’s doing to herself and to those who care about her?
“It’s my decision to make!” Casey yells, causing the heart monitor to beep excitedly. I take a step back. I shouldn’t have done this right now, but it’s too late.
“You’re right, Casey. It is your decision. And it’s my decision not to be a part of it anymore.” It’s like the floodgates have broken, there’s no holding back the tears now as they drip down my cheeks. I can taste their saltiness on my lips.
“What are you saying?” she whispers, a few tears escaping her eyes now.
“I’m saying I can’t sit back and wait with you for you to die anymore. I understand that I don’t know what’s it’s like to be you, to be diagnosed with a potentially terminal disease. But Casey, you have options. This doesn’t have to be a dead end street for you. There are roads where you can turn off, and you won’t explore them…you won’t even slow the car down. You’re twenty-one years old, and you’ve given up on yourself.”
“Kate, we’ve talked about this—”
“No, we haven’t talked about this,” I insist adamantly. “The doctor laid it all out for you and you chose. And you chose poorly. I don’t know what made you give up on life, Casey. But I can’t handle it anymore. I may be strong, but I’m not that strong. I can’t watch my best friend fall apart this way when there is a solution. The Casey I met freshman year was a fighter. Where did she go?”
I hear the door open behind me and look over to see Jay walk in. I wipe my eyes, but it’s no use. The tears keep coming.
Giving up on your best friend isn’t easy. Even if it’s with both of your best interests at heart.
