Six Month Increments

It’s been six years, six months, and 24 days.

I’ve been living my life in six-month increments.

I go about my life like everything is normal, like nothing is wrong.

Don’t let them see. Smile. Laugh. Don’t let them hear any worries or fears.

Celebrate all the moments, create lasting memories.

It’s the happiness I want them to have when I’m no longer there.

It’s been six years, six months, and 24 days.

I’ve been living my life in six-month increments.

Those on the outside looking in are scared of what they see.

It could be them as easily as it was me.

Anger is mistaken for bitterness.

Determination is mistaken for anger.

Knowledge is mistaken for negativity.

People I thought were my friends turned into ghosts.

It was easier to dismiss what wasn’t understood.

It’s been six years, six months, and 24 days.

I’ve been living my life in six-month increments.

Making friends just like me. Forming strong bonds.

Watching them get sicker, seeing them die.

Feelings of guilt while being happy, I’m still alive.

Every day I take pills.

Every day there are side effects.

Every month I have appointments.

Every six months, I get scans.

It’s been six years, six months, and 24 days.

I am living my life in six-month increments.