And the path suddenly narrows. A lump is felt- seeming to pulsate under the skin. Panic rises in the throat and fear is suppressed by friends and husband. White walls appear endless and tall men with implements prod the comers of swollen flesh. Only fear again and a bandaged chest.
Time lingers before the unpeeling.
My hand feels the flatness, where once was soft breast. The pain sharpens and blocked tubes fall to the ground. A woman's cry and the days begin to uncoil. Slow footsteps along garden paths and the sun is felt anew. The familiar is gone but the scar of memory remains.