Finally, at midafternoon,
Kenny stopped by Anna’s desk. He asked, “So
how is David?”
“He’s happy chemo is done
but he has a lot of stomach pain.”
Kenny looked at Anna as he
processed this information. Then Anna
gave him the answer. “They know it hasn’t
shrunk. It’s still growing.”
With the missing piece of
information, Kenny quickly understood the implications. David, Anna’s husband, would die soon. Thoughts raced through his mind. What do you say to your friend when they know
their spouse will leave them? Kenny also
was feeling a sense of loss. Over the
years, he came to have a deep respect for David. The man worked hard, was giving and very
kind. His departure would affect many.
Kenny felt the need to say
something. He knew how close Anna and
David were. He wanted to offer a word of
console his friend but there are no words to help. He didn’t want to offer empty
platitudes. The wheels continued turning
in his brain and Kenny finally stated the only thing that made sense at that
moment, “Shit!”
“Yes.”
Mortality mocked them
both. They were powerless and they knew
it. Everyone has a limited supply of
time on earth. We act as though reality is
different but death enjoys every chance it has to rub it in. Kenny bent down to hug his friend. He was concerned she may cry. He didn’t want that to happen since they were
at work but anything less than an act of compassion seemed criminal. Anna simply said, “Yes, I know.”
Then the phone rang, returning
them to the present. Kenny patted Anna
on the shoulder as she spoke into the phone.
Returning to his desk, Kenny said, “Back to reality.”
(Only the names were changed)
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