Her expression weighed heavily on me. I asked with concern, "What's bothering you?"

"My body... It's not holding up. I'm always in pain, so I can't sleep at night." She looked at me helplessly, her voice barely audible. "The pain, it's just...here..."

"Where does it hurt?" My eyes narrowed, pressing for details.

"Right here." She pointed to her abdomen, gently patting it.

"You haven't told Matthew?" I pressed on, my composure wavering. Indeed, Grace seemed much thinner than before.

"He's...