Me-Before-You-by-Jojo-Moyes

reception that I saw the computer terminal, discreetly placed in a corner. It was
marked: For Use Of Guests. Please Ask At Reception.
‘Can I use this?’ I said to the receptionist.
She nodded, and I bought an hour’s token. I knew suddenly very clearly who I
wanted to speak to. I knew in my gut that he was one of the few people I could
rely on to be online at this time. I logged on to the chat room and typed on the
message board:
Ritchie. Are you there?
Morning, Bee. You’re early today?
I hesitated for just a moment before typing:
I am about to begin the strangest day of my life. I am in Switzerland.
He knew what it meant. They all knew what it meant. The clinic had been the
subject of many heated debates. I typed:
I’m frightened.
Then why are you there?
Because I can’t not be here. He asked me. Am in hotel waiting to go see him.
I hesitated, then typed:
I have no idea how this day is going to end.
Oh, Bee.
What do I say to him? How do I change his mind?
There was a delay before he typed again. His words appeared on the screen more
slowly than usual, as if he were taking great care.
If he’s in Switzerland, Bee, I’m not sure he’s going to change his mind.
I felt a huge lump in my throat, and swallowed it. Ritchie was still typing.
It’s not my choice. It’s not the choice of most of us on this board. I love my life, even if I wish it was
different. But I understand why your friend might well have had enough. It’s tiring, leading this life,
tiring in a way the AB can never truly understand. If he is determined, if he really can’t see a way of