He Once Called Me His Rose

Summary

I had a secret rose birthmark. At nineteen, I gave myself to my uncle Jack while drunk. The night stayed with me, but the next day he told me the family business had failed and he had ALS.

I left the military to care for him. I sold my house, borrowed money, and struggled for five years. Debt collectors hurt me, but I saved every coin to extend his life.

One day at work, I saw Jack in a smart uniform, talking happily with friends. He was supposed to be in a wheelchair.

A comrade said he had faked his illness for five years, and I had nearly destroyed myself to help him.