Pauline

Pauline turned 35 today. Her family (mom, dad, husband, 2 kids, 1 golden retriever) did the duitiful cake, the practical present and a lot of whooping. Her co workers, ate the HR sponsored cake and gave her the HR sponsored present. her friends took her out shopping, slinky electric blue dress, drinks at the new lounge, dance at the underground club. Her lover came over and did some extra special tricks in bed as a present ( he mooches off her, does not give her stuff).


Sexy, replete, sated. Thats our Pauline.

She stays awake at night, prescribed pill does not work. Wondering if it is time to phase out the lover, hasnt had sex with the husband for so long he might suspect something. Maybe, start working towards the ambitious business plan she submitted the other day. Hmmm kids, what have they been upto lately. She just could not sleep. Yeah, definitely buy that new wine cooler the neighbours had.
Had been going on for a long time now. Insomnia, sleep deprivation, looking haggard and pale. Loss of appetite. She decided to go for a medical check up finally.

It was cancer, terminal stage, somewhere in the lung. Chemo will help for some time, but not long.

Change facebook profile, post pictures of bald head, chemo room. Outpouring of emotion. Offers of support. Tears, promises, drama, bathos.

She is sleeping. Soundly. She finally has something to live for.