"Life was empty, meant to be endured rather than enjoyed. For years, nothing changed. I just played the role I'd been assigned, went through the motions... Then I got sick. It hit me suddenly, but hard. Every night I'd come home and puke my guts out. Every day, I'd wake up feeling just a little bit weaker. Finally, even I couldn't pretend nothing was wrong. I checked into the hospital for tests and hoped for the best. You'd think I would have known better."