Breathe
By Zoe
The alarm clock rings, marking the start of another day. Dawn light streams through the curtains, bathing the room in golden hues. Everything seems calm: the robe is hanging on the bathroom door, the shoes are lined up next to the bed, and a soft sweet scent perfumes the air. Everything in its place, even the evil tricks of fate.
With a stretch and a yawn, I walk to the bathroom. The shower has always been my morning sanctuary, that little corner of peace before facing the hustle and bustle of the day, there you don't hear the phone, the doorbell, the endless, always urgent calls that start with a blaring "mom". I turn the faucet and the hot water begins to flow, enveloping the bathroom in a soft mist. As the steam fills the space, it feels like the entrance to a dream.
I start soaping my body, and just as my hands move across my left breast, I feel something unusual. A small lump. For a moment, I try to convince myself that it's a skin imperfection, maybe a product of some rubbing, maybe I hurt myself and didn't notice it, a pinch. But I cannot ignore it. It is there, and although it is small, it is noticeable. The steam thickens, the light turns gray, everything changes.
The rest of the day becomes a whirlwind of thoughts. In the office, while my colleagues discuss the ongoing project, I am lost in my musings, silently browsing forums and articles in search of answers. During lunch, my appetite fades and my phone becomes my main companion, searching for any clue that will calm my fears.
Rosalía, my neighbor and friend with whom I usually share occasional coffees, senses my concern. I confess my fears to her and, with a look full of empathy, she advises me not to let more time pass and to seek a medical opinion. Her words echo in my mind: it is essential to listen to our body and act.
When I get home, the shower no longer feels like my safe space. That corner that used to be my safe haven is now a reminder of the uncertainty that is invading me. However, I decide that I will not allow this feeling to dominate me. The next day, I will take the initiative and seek answers. With determination, I resolve to face whatever comes my way, secure in the knowledge that no matter what happens, I will not be alone on this journey. Although I wish to wake up with the surprise that "the little ball" is no longer there, only that I would have to sleep first, I cannot, it is not possible.
About Zoe
Zoe was not born out of a random moment or an isolated story. Her existence is the product of a fusion of advanced technology and deeply emotional and real human experiences. She is a creation of artificial intelligence, but her essence and the emotions that emanate from her story come directly from the testimonies of real women who have faced the uphill battle against breast cancer.
The experiences, emotions and challenges of Elisa Lorena Estrada Hernández, Alejandra de Cima Aldrete, Inés de la Cruz, Sandra Luz Ramírez Carbajal, Patricia Velázquez Méndez and Anabel de la Peña fuel every facet of Zoe. Each of these women has shared their stories, their fears, their triumphs and their most vulnerable moments. By combining their experiences, we have been able to bring to life Zoe, a character that encapsulates the resilience, courage and hope that each of these brave women has demonstrated on their journey.
Although Zoe does not exist in the physical world, her story is a reflection of the struggles and victories of many women. It is a reminder of the importance of empathy, support and resilience, and how, by coming together, we can create something powerful and moving.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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