Conversation didn’t hold as much interest as Tom Cruise running for his life on the fun-size flatscreen did. But in the misery of intrusive catheters and a relentless urge to retch, her soft snores from the visitor’s chair said “I’m with you to the end” better than any conversation could.

Moh Afdhaal lives in Sri Lanka and writes flash fiction. Find him on Twitter at @mohwritesthings.