I furrow my brows in confusion. “What are you talking about? I’m fine,” I insist.

But Mom and Aunt Claire exchange a knowing glance. Mom then turns back to me, her expression filled with worry. “Bill, you don’t look so good,” she says gently.

I try to sound convincing, “Trust me, I’m doing better than ever.” But deep down, I know they can see right through me.

Before they arrived, I had glanced at myself in the mirror and even I was taken aback. My ...