The new normal had been in practice for some months. Receiving chemotherapy, recovering from the treatment, then a short break before the cycle started all over again. It was the short breaks that she looked forward to the most, when they could be free from feeling really unwell, almost normal again. Apart from the changed taste buds, and unrecovered appetite. At least they could enjoy each other’s company and smoke their favourite cigarettes together. Although they came from vastly different backgrounds and family origins, they had been amazed that they had so much in common. “In sickness and in health,” they had said as a part of their wedding vows, and he had certainly fulfilled his part. The doting husband, always there to help, he had never missed any of the appointments. He would text or call her from work during the day. She really needed him during the weeks after chemotherapy, these were her low periods when she had never felt more unwell. At times she almost didn’t want to start the next cycle, but he managed to convince her each time. That this was something that they would be going through together. His devotion had kept her going throughout the tough days and nights. Even in the midst of illness she felt blessed as he was standing by his woman.

It was the week after cycle four, they were just about to enter the recovery phase, and had planned to take a small trip to their favourite beach. They hadn’t been since last summer, things had been too hectic. This would be their chance to get away from the city, and their problems. He had gone to work as usual, he had prepared her breakfast before leaving, allowing her to sleep in. It was getting close to lunch-time and she was looking forward to saying good morning to him, he’d usually call her during his lunch break. No call came. Strange. She texted him but there was no reply. She noticed that there was a message on their answerphone. She listened to the message, it was his boss. Asking her to call him. What’s going on? What’s happened?