I Asked My Sister To Try To Die On Feb. 29. Her 6-Word Response Completely Broke Me.

There is perhaps only one circumstance in which it is acceptable to suggest to a loved one what I was about to suggest to my sister, and I unfortunately found myself in that agonizing position as I settled into the chair beside her bed.

“It’s Rare Disease Day today,” I told her, trying to sound nonchalant.

My sister Kim opened her eyes and shot me a sideways glance. Of the many things we unequivocally agreed upon, one was that I am a terrible actor.

Despite that, I continued to try to sound casual.

“I just didn’t know if you realized it was a leap year — that today is Feb. 29,” I said.

I knew she had no clue, though. She was too doped up on opiates to be cognizant of things like the date.

I tried a new approach.

“Isn’t it interesting that it will be four years from now before your boys have to wake up on a day … that is … Feb. 29?”

I knew the barely hidden agenda behind my questions was starting to sound ridiculous, so I was relieved to see this last remark had finally gotten Kim’s attention.

She squinted her eyes open and studied my face. I looked back at her, trying to force an expression that made it seem like I merely found these to be fascinating facts about this extra day in February.

But she knew the real reason I was pointing out that it would be four years before there would be another leap day.

“Are you suggesting I should try to die today?” she asked with genuine nonchalance.

“No!” I feigned being offended, even though we both knew it was exactly what I was doing.

I paused briefly and then quietly added, “But… it would be a pretty poignant end to your story.”

Earlier that day, when Kathleen, my other sister, told me Feb. 29 is Rare Disease Day, we had both agreed that it would be a fitting day for Kim to