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I spotted it seconds later and pulled it free After shutting the drawer, I returned to the bathroom I wanted to question and lecture her so bad

She rarely followed any of her dietitian’s suggestions And as often as I tried to feed her the right food, I really didn’t see herwhen I wasn’t around And I had no idea how much alcohol she drank

"Go ahead," she mumbled after she chewed and sed her pill

I blew out a breath "You’re not going to die, Cora," I said, and then I shook s I could’ve said But, really "I’ to pass And the dialysis will be over soon Just a couple more months and you’ll have a new kidney, and you won’t have to worry about any of this again I know you said you wanted to live your life how you wanted because no one kne long they had left, but not watching your diet is just going to et through this"

Cora closed her eyes and bowed her head before pressing a palm to her teht I justIt’s easier to pretend nothing is wrong when I eatwhatever And drinkwhatever"

"I know" I cringed, wishing I could trade places with her, even just for a day so she could get a little escape Just a small respite "But--"

Down the hall, someone knocked on the front door A second later, a familiar voice called, "Hello? Cora?"

Cora and I exchanged a glance, , hers pleading withbreath as footsteps drew near Another knock fell outside her bedroom "Cora?"

"In here," I said Cora sliced lare half a second before Quinn appeared in the bathrooirlfriend still planted on the floor in front of the toilet and bolted inside

"Oh my God What happened? Are you okay?"

Cora shook her head and lifted a hand "I’ Justthe flu, I think"