My whole world seemed to shatter underneath my feet when Professor Hernandez said that. Despite sitting in a perfectly firm, solid wooden chair, I felt like I was falling into an endless, dark pit, the light above quickly growing small until it disappeared entirely.
Taking a deep breath, I said, “Professor, did you say that I have less than eight months to live?”
“Yes,” said Professor Hernandez, still without looking at me. “Maybe as much as nine if we’re going to be optimistic, but you likely won’t live long enough to attend your own graduation ceremony.”
My head spun, making me feel dizzy. My heart beat faster than ever while my hands shook. I almost felt faint, but I managed to stay upright.
Professor Hernandez, however, must have noticed that something was off, because he said, “A
