---Stage Five---
Halfway through brunch she told me she's got stage five and explained why she's no longer fighting to stay alive because our family fell apart after granny died dialysis treatment makes her feel fried and she can no longer bear the 4 A.M. drive when the youngest guy who sat by her side lost the fight for his life, we almost cried but she asked me hold it inside as restaurant faces noticed, I tried but my eyes lied and never dried, wishing she'd find a will to thrive wishful thinking, hopeful pride I've eyed death in withering stride but chose to step aside after all, I could never commit to suicide I guess my heart has had time to fortify time to become the family guide and comfort them from news that's yet to arrive as we sipped margaritas and together and sighed
