My daughter-in-law pretended to cry when the doctor said I only had three days left,

As the footsteps grew closer, I steeled myself for the charade I would have to maintain. Rachel and Mark entered the room, smiles plastered on their faces, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Mark extended the folder towards me again, his voice oozing with feigned sympathy. “Mom, we know it’s hard, but you have to think of the future. Just sign these, and you can rest easy.”

I nodded weakly, allowing my hand to tremble as I reached out for the pen. My fingers brushed the paper intentionally, and I feigned difficulty in handling the pen. “I’m so tired,” I whispered, buying time as my mind raced with the details of my plan.

Rachel softened her voice, leaning over me with faux concern. “We’re here to help, Helen. It’s what family does.”