I did not feel better for a long time. Illness and sadness sort of blend together after a while; you don't know which causes which or what to treat first. Lie down to help mend your bruises and your heart breaks more.

Olezhka's constant company meant more to me than I could put into words. We rarely spoke, but the connection between us allowed for subtler, more precise exchanges. Often I would wake up to find my blankets either pulled up or down, depending on how hot the night had ...