"mark? what is it?!" i say louder than intended. mark walks closer to the bed and sits down on the edge near my legs.

"i was talking to nurse, just down the hall... she's not certain, but... fuck it!" mark starts breakdown again in front of me. he wails and cries hysterically, while i'm left just staring at him.

"jack... please don't... please, please, please..." mark begs. i don't know what to do or what he is even on about, but my chest rises and falls with a heavy feeling lingering.