Page 71 of While I’m Still Here

MARCUS

Fixed it how?

The reply is almost immediate.

BEA

Marcus Bennett

I stare at the ribbon, and then my name updates in real time in front of me.

MARCUS BENNETT

Remove that.

Three dots appear.

BEA

I thought you loved pink?

MARCUS BENNETT

Bea.

BEA

Marcus

I stand in the rain, smiling at my phone like an idiot.

That is significantly more concerning than the ribbon.

Chapter 12

Thursday 8 p.m.

Age: Thirty.

Tumours: 1.

Boyfriends: 1.

Male breast-cancer survivors saved in phone as Marcus Bennett: 1.

Times Marcus has removed the ribbon: 4.

Times I have put it back: 4.

Things I keep saying I'll do later: Enough to require a dedicated notebook.

Likelihood this notebook will ruin my life: Increasing by the fucking hour.

Chapter 13

THINGS I HAVEN’T DONE YET

Beatrice ‘Bea’ James