Here I am, then. Standing in front of a mirror in my luxury hotel room, looking at my nude body on the huge mirror. The body of a 23 years old woman, no older but no younger than that. I have a glorious tan, all around, for the first time in my life. My body is more fit than it has ever been, due to the hours spent in the hotel gym. My body is perfect, my mind is ready, and my decision is firm β although I could still chicken and run. But for what?
It has been a wonderful two months. The credit card given to me buys anything, from trips, top restaurant meals, nightclubs, to renting fast cars which I love β although I have had to drive responsibly, since that body I see on the mirror does not belong to me any more, it must not take any damage. Yet.
And hasn't that body had fun! Anything you can do in a tropical luxury paradise for the rich, making love to any interesting woman or man or couple I set my eyes onto; yes, I am good looking, smart, and educated enough to have anyone I like. Well, almost.
But no sex partner tonight. It is time to caress my body myself, gently touch every part of it, not forgetting my genitals and anus. I have toys to pleasure my dear orifices. I want to feel myself, and then to masturbate myself to sleep.
But first, I have to take those painkillers. Otherwise the cancer will remind of itself. With the pills, the pain stays away completely. I do not touch illegal drugs, they would only hide me from myself, and now I want to be myself. One hundred per cent.
I remember the sad, well, professionally sad anyway, look on the doctor's face when he said:
β I have bad news I'm afraid. The body scan has revealed several metastases, that is to say the spreading of your cancer to other body parts. The sad fact is that even if we remove the tumor, the cancer cannot be cured.
I was devastated.
β At the age of 23!
β Yes, it does happen, although statistically only..., ah, I'm so sorry.
β Glad to known I'm a statistical oddity. How much time do I have?
β Well, we will remove the main tumor anyway, and immediately begin chemotherapy and radiation therapy too, for the detected metastases.
β How much?
β A year, with the best treatment the modern science of medicine can provide. Rest assured, you insurance will cover all costs.
β And I will be vomiting due to chemotherapy, my mouth and my genitals will make it next to impossible for me to eat, let alone other things, I will lose my hair, etcetera?
My mother had gone that way when I was in my teens.
β Well, if you want to put it that way, about so. But everything will be done to make your last months easier.
β If I choose not to begin the therapy, how many good months would I have, months worth living a full life outside the hospital?
β I can guarantee you six months, but toward the end you will have to take some painkillers.
β And their side effects?
β None, they are quite effective these days, for instance..., ah sorry!