Rough Draft 1

Last year I had become increasingly sick with each passing day. Not one doctor could figure out the cause of this unknown illness.

Whenever I had a fever, my skin burned as if kissed by the sun. No one could touch me. Clothes were unbearable as it would rub against me like sandpaper on wood, making each movement pure agony. I would silently cry until I fell asleep.

My legs constantly gave out. Yes...they would lose feeling, become weak, and I would collapse. It felt as if my legs were made of cement: stiff and heavy. No matter how hard I tried, I didn't have the strength to stand.

Moments later I would be hit with searing pain as if my limbs were being pulled apart. I'd grind my teeth, for that was more bearable than the crushing weight that was placed on my legs.

My realization: my body was slowly breaking down.

One afternoon, my boyfriend at the time (now my fiance) and I went out for lunch. I was sick but I didn't want to stand him up. I put on my makeup to hide my pale face and blue lips. I wanted to look beautiful and alive. My body hurt so much that even putting on lipstick was a chore.