News

Write a poem or story that uses the following line: “I couldn’t take my eyes off the winding blue rivers in the back of his hand.”

152 words

“It’s cancer”

I stared at my doctor in shock.  I couldn’t think, couldn’t react.  All sound had retreated, replaced with a rushing of blood in my ears.  Spots floated in front of my eyes and all of the blood seemed to have drained from my head.  Tears started trickling down my cheeks.

“There are options, but I have to tell you that the chances aren’t good.  I’m sorry.”

He pushed the box of tissues across his desk towards me. I couldn’t take my eyes off the winding blue rivers in the back of his hand.  Life pulsing through his veins.  Healthy blood, not like mine. 

“I’d like you to come back in with your husband tomorrow so I can go through the options.  Is that ok?”

I nodded numbly, fingers shredding the tissue.  He left me there, already moving on to his next consultation, possibly to shatter another life with his news.