This is perfectly calibrated to elicit emotion and yet not be sentimental. What a challenge that is for many writers. You balance the tension beautifully.
This story is very affecting. It of course has a practical interpretation, but the most memorable part is the enduring quality of love that sees the relationship mature from ideal and unblemished youth to the hard reality of illness.
Thank you for posting this very well-constructed and moving story in the Ink Well community.
Lovely to be here, and I am humbled by your appreciation.