Dear Wafa,

I want to tell you about a book that I like-- I wanted to write this long ago, but kept postponing it for some reason or the other.

This book-- The Fault in our Stars-- is a cancer book, or rather, a cancer-as-in-real-life book. That is to say, it does not follow the stereotypical cancer plot. Nobody in this novel dies with everybody they love around them, bidding them farewell, telling them how much they are loved-- nothing of the sort.

That is what I love about this book. No "perfect" deaths that people get to die in most books and movies, which is pretty lame if you ask me. Because in real life, people fall dead in hospital waiting rooms while their unsuspecting wives prepare their favourite dish as a surprise. Because in real life, people die of a silent attack leaving behind helpless kids and a heartbroken husband.

I know, I know.

I like this book because in real life too, people die leaving behind unfulfilled dreams. People only accept cancer and try to get used to it, instead of being a pillar of strength for the sake of their loved ones. Like John Green says, pain demands to be felt.

I like this book because it reminds me of how I used to wonder all those years ago, whether I'll get another chance to see you alive; it reminds me of the fear of hearing the dreadful news; it reminds me of how suddenly and quietly you left us all, and how helpless I was to stop my tears when I realized that I've lost you.