One of my all time favorite book is L'Écume des jours from Boris Vian. In it Chloé falls sick of a water lily growing in her lungs. Her treatment consists of placing fresh flowers on her chest and going to the mountains. Eventually she dies leaving behind her ruined husband Colin, who spent his fortune trying to save her.
Often when I cough, I think of Chloé and wonder if there is a water lily growing in my lungs. If by chance someone is close by, I even venture to say out loud ‘I have a water lily in my lungs’. I am always met with either a smile, puzzled look or offhanded laugh. One thing is for sure, never has anyone turned to me and said
‘Come let’s go to the mountains, I’ll buy you flowers on the way.’