There is a thing that happens if you’ve ever had someone in your close circle face a terminal illness.
For months, then weeks and then the final days, every thought and question is about that person: How are they feeling? Is today better or worse than yesterday? Is there any food or drink that appeals to them?
That person is the centre of the universe, with everything revolving around them. And the longer the clock winds down, the tighter the spiral spins in toward them.
