He wouldn't think about that now, his therapist kept telling him to “give his body a positive environment–socially, emotionally, nutritionally and spiritually.” And his new little project was doing just that. It was keeping him busy and making him feel like
he could do something other than lie on a bed all day. His mind was kept occupied as he mapped out his plan to remain with Holly even when he was gone. He was also fulfilling a promise he had made to her years ago. At least there was one he could follow through on for her. Shame it had to be this particular promise. He heard Holly thudding up the stairs and he smiled; his plan was working. “Babe, there's no more ice cream left,” she said sadly. “Is there anything else you would prefer?” “Nope,” he shook his head. “Just the ice cream, please.” “Oh, but now I have to go to the shop to get it,” she complained. “Don't worry, hun, I'll be fine for a few minutes,” he assured her. She looked at him uncertainly. “I really would rather stay, there's no one else here.” “Don't be silly,” he smiled, and he lifted his mobile off the bedside table and placed it on his chest. “If there's a problem, which there won't be, I'll call you.” “OK.” Holly bit her lip. “I'll only be five minutes down the road. Are you sure you'll be OK?” “Positive,” he smiled. “OK then.” She slowly took off his robe and threw on a tracksuit and he could see she still wasn't happy about the arrangement. “Holly, I'll be fine,” he said firmly. “OK.” She gave him a long kiss and he heard her race down the stairs, rush out to the car and
speed off down the road. As soon as Gerry knew he was safe, he pulled back the covers and slowly climbed out of bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress for a while, waiting for the dizziness to pass, then he slowly made his way to the wardrobe. He took out an old shoe box from the top shelf that contained
junk he had collected over the past few years and that also contained the nine full envelopes. He
took out the tenth empty envelope and neatly wrote “December” on the front. Today was the first of December, and he moved himself forward one year from now, knowing he wouldn't be around. He imagined Holly to be a karaoke genius, relaxed from her holiday in Spain, bruise-free