Moonlit Wishes and Endings

Ten-year-old June, in rural Texas, finishes her first love story and gazes at the moon, wishing for a love as deep as her parents'. Her mother's words—love blooms even in darkness—become a guiding light. June's innocent yearning for a soulmate, and her belief in the power of stories, set the emotional tone for her journey. The moon becomes her confidant, a silent witness to her dreams and fears. This chapter is a gentle, hopeful beginning, filled with the promise of love and the shadow of mortality, as June's wish is sent out into the vast, indifferent night, not knowing how soon she'll need that hope.

Diagnosis and Numbness

At seventeen, June's world shatters when her doctor tells her there's nothing more they can do for her leukemia. The news lands like a physical blow, plunging her into numbness. Her parents' grief is raw, but June feels detached, almost outside her own body. The comfort of home is a fragile anchor as she processes the reality of dying young. Yet, a glimmer of hope appears: a last-minute spot in a clinical trial at a ranch-hospital near Austin. June's relief is palpable—she's not ready to let go. The chapter is a study in shock, resilience, and the desperate clinging to hope when all seems lost.

Last-Chance Ranch Arrival

June and her parents arrive at Harmony Ranch, a sprawling, beautiful place that feels more like a home than a hospital. The ranch is a haven for teens in a clinical trial, its warmth and natural beauty a balm for June's battered spirit. She's given a cozy suite, and the presence of horses stirs memories of her old life. The ranch's director, Neenee, introduces June to the legacy of the place—a father's love for his lost daughter transformed into hope for others. June senses something special here, a feeling of destiny, as she prepares to meet the other patients and face the unknown.

New Friendships, New Hopes

June, shy and uncertain, meets the other teens in the trial: Chris, Emma, Silas, Toby, Kate, Cherry, and Toby, Kate, and Cherry. Jesse, a charismatic football player with striking green eyes, immediately calls her beautiful, shaking her self-image. The group's humor and camaraderie surprise June; laughter becomes their shield against fear. Emma, outgoing and warm, quickly befriends June, while Chris's dark humor helps everyone cope. The "Chemo Club" is born—a lifeline of friendship and shared struggle. June's longing for connection is answered, and the seeds of love and belonging are sown amid the uncertainty of treatment.

Jesse and June Collide

Jesse, outgoing and magnetic, is drawn to June's quiet strength. Their banter is playful, but beneath it lies vulnerability—Jesse's family can't be with him, and June's illness has stolen her confidence. They bond over shared pain and dreams deferred. Jesse's football ambitions and June's writing aspirations seem worlds apart, yet they find solace in each other's company. Their first real conversation is charged with possibility, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. The chapter pulses with the thrill of first attraction, the ache of what's been lost, and the hope that love can bloom even in the shadow of death.

Laughter, Love, and Illness

The group explores the ranch, sharing stories of their lives before cancer. June and Emma become fast friends, confiding in each other about lost friendships and first loves. Jesse's humor and warmth draw June out of her shell, and their flirtation deepens. The teens reclaim moments of normalcy—swimming, playing games, teasing each other. Yet, the specter of illness is never far; their bodies are fragile, and the looming start of treatment is a constant reminder. Still, laughter and budding love offer a reprieve, and June begins to believe in the possibility of happiness, even now.

Treatment Begins, Bonds Deepen

The clinical trial starts, and the side effects are brutal—nausea, exhaustion, pain. The group supports each other through the worst days, gathering in the movie room, holding hands, and sharing dark jokes. Jesse and June's connection intensifies; they hold hands for comfort, and Jesse's presence becomes June's anchor. The staff encourages them to rely on each other, and the healing power of friendship and nature is emphasized. The ranch's horses and the beauty of the land offer moments of peace. The group's unity is their greatest strength, and love—romantic and platonic—becomes their lifeline.

Holding Hands Through Pain

As treatment grinds on, Jesse and June grow closer, sharing their fears and dreams. June reveals her insecurity about her appearance, and Jesse reassures her with genuine affection. They open up about their illnesses, family struggles, and lost ambitions. Jesse draws June, capturing her beauty as he sees it, and June begins to write their story. Their first kiss is tender and transformative, a moment of pure connection amid chaos. The group's bond deepens, but the reality of their situation is ever-present—some will survive, others may not. Still, they cling to each other, determined to make every moment count.

First Kisses, First Dreams

Jesse and June's relationship becomes the heart of the group. Their first kiss is a revelation for June, who has never been kissed before. Jesse's art and June's writing become intertwined, each inspiring the other. The group celebrates small victories—good test results, moments of laughter, the simple joy of being together. Yet, the threat of relapse and the uncertainty of the trial's outcome loom large. June begins to write a parallel love story, imagining a future where she and Jesse survive and thrive. Their love becomes both a refuge and a rebellion against the darkness closing in.

Hope, Setbacks, and Survival

The first round of results brings elation for most—remission is within reach. But for June and Jesse, the news is devastating: the treatment isn't working, and their odds are slim. The group rallies around them, but the weight of mortality is crushing. June and Jesse cling to each other, vowing to fight together, even as hope dwindles. Their love deepens, becoming a source of strength and sorrow. The reality of limited time sharpens every emotion, and the group's unity is tested by grief and fear. Still, they refuse to give up, determined to defy the odds.

The Odds and the Heart

June and Jesse face the brutal truth: they have only a ten percent chance of survival. They make a pact to fight together, finding solace in each other's arms. Their love becomes fierce and urgent, a defiant stand against fate. The group's support is unwavering, but the shadow of loss grows. June's writing and Jesse's art become acts of hope, creating a parallel universe where their love endures. The chapter is a meditation on the power of love to transcend fear, and the courage it takes to keep loving when the future is so uncertain.

Chemo Club Forever

The group, now dubbed "Chemo Club," becomes a family. They support each other through setbacks, celebrate small joys, and grieve together. Emma and Chris's friendship with June and Jesse is a source of comfort and strength. The group faces the loss of one of their own, and the pain is searing. Yet, they honor their friend's memory by living fully, loving fiercely, and refusing to let cancer define them. June and Jesse's love story becomes a beacon for the others, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Together, they find meaning in the midst of suffering.

Love in the Face of Loss

The death of a friend shakes the group to its core. June and Jesse, both physically weakened, cling to each other for comfort. Their love is both a balm and a source of pain, as they confront the reality that one—or both—may not survive. They make promises to each other: to keep fighting, to remember, to find each other in whatever comes next. The group's bond is unbreakable, forged in the crucible of shared suffering. Love becomes an act of defiance, a way to honor the memory of those they've lost and to keep hope alive, even as the end approaches.

Dreams, Doubts, and Distance

As some friends recover and move on, June and Jesse face new challenges. Jesse's football dreams are threatened by his illness, and June's insecurities about her appearance and worth are magnified by the outside world. The pressures of college, fame, and the expectations of others strain their relationship. Jealousy, fear, and self-doubt creep in, threatening to pull them apart. Yet, their love endures, tested and tempered by adversity. They learn that true love requires vulnerability, forgiveness, and the courage to keep choosing each other, even when the world seems determined to keep them apart.

Relapse and Resilience

Jesse relapses, and the specter of death returns with a vengeance. June stands by his side, her love unwavering. The hospital becomes their world again, and the fight for survival is all-consuming. June's writing becomes a lifeline, a way to process grief and hope. Jesse's determination inspires everyone around him, even as his body weakens. Their love story, now public through June's writing, touches countless lives. The couple faces the possibility of losing each other, but their bond is unbreakable. They find meaning in the struggle, and their love becomes a legacy, a story that will outlast them both.

Wedding in the Twilight

Knowing their time is short, Jesse proposes to June, and the ranch community rallies to give them a beautiful wedding. The ceremony is bittersweet—filled with joy, gratitude, and the ache of impending loss. Surrounded by family and friends, June and Jesse vow to love each other for whatever time remains. Their wedding is a celebration of life, love, and the triumph of the human spirit. The chapter is a testament to the power of love to create meaning, even in the face of death. For one perfect day, hope and happiness eclipse sorrow.

Goodbye, Goodnight, Forever

As Jesse's body fails, June and their loved ones gather to say goodbye. The pain is overwhelming, but love is stronger. Jesse and June share their last moments—holding hands, whispering promises, and finding peace in each other's arms. Jesse's death is gentle, surrounded by those who love him. June is left to grieve, but also to honor their love by finishing their story. The chapter is a meditation on loss, memory, and the ways love endures beyond death. June's promise to find Jesse again becomes her guiding light, a hope that transcends the boundaries of life and death.

Happily Ever After—In Words

June, weakened and grieving, finishes writing their story—a parallel universe where she and Jesse survive, grow old, and live out all their dreams. The act of writing becomes an act of healing, a way to give their love the ending it deserves. Surrounded by family, June says her own goodnight, trusting that Jesse will keep his promise to find her. In the epilogue, their story lives on—read by others, inspiring hope and belief in love's power. The final image is of June and Jesse, together on their porch, surrounded by family, their love shining like a star across time and space.

Characters

June Scott

June is the emotional heart of the story—a small-town Texas girl whose love of stories and longing for a soulmate are shaped by her parents' example. Diagnosed with leukemia at fifteen, she endures years of treatment, her dreams of love and writing threatened by illness. June is introspective, sensitive, and quietly brave, her self-image battered by cancer's toll. Her journey is one of reclaiming agency: through friendship, love, and writing, she finds meaning in suffering. June's relationship with Jesse is transformative, awakening her to passion and hope. Even as she faces death, her creativity and love become her legacy, offering comfort to others and herself.

Jesse Taylor

Jesse is a West Texas football star whose life is upended by a late-stage leukemia diagnosis. Outgoing, humorous, and fiercely loyal, he masks his vulnerability with charm. Jesse's family struggles—his absent father, overworked mother, and young sisters—shape his sense of responsibility and longing for connection. His relationship with June is both a refuge and a revelation, allowing him to express his artistic side and confront his fears. Jesse's resilience is tested by relapse and the loss of his dreams, but his love for June becomes his guiding purpose. In the end, Jesse's legacy is not athletic glory, but the depth of his love and the art he leaves behind.

Emma

Emma is June's first true best friend, a fellow patient whose outgoing nature and quick wit bring light to the group. She is open about her struggles—losing friends, a boyfriend, and her hair to cancer—but refuses to let bitterness define her. Emma's bond with June is immediate and deep, offering both girls the support and understanding they crave. Her death is a devastating blow, a reminder of the fragility of hope. Yet, Emma's spirit endures in the memories and stories of her friends, her laughter echoing in their hearts and inspiring them to keep fighting.

Chris

Chris is the group's class clown, using dark humor to cope with depression and the realities of terminal illness. A talented baseball player, he is open about his mental health struggles, normalizing vulnerability for the others. Chris's friendship with Jesse and Emma is a cornerstone of the group's dynamic, providing both levity and honesty. His survival, while others are lost, is bittersweet—he carries the weight of grief but honors his friends by living fully. Chris's journey is one of transformation, from self-deprecating jokester to a young man who understands the value of love, friendship, and resilience.

Neenee

Neenee is the director of Harmony Ranch, a maternal figure who creates a sanctuary for dying teens. Her warmth, strength, and belief in the healing power of nature and community set the tone for the ranch. Neenee encourages the patients to bond, knowing that connection is as vital as medicine. She is a steady presence in moments of crisis and celebration, her faith in the possibility of healing—physical or emotional—never wavering. Neenee's role is both practical and spiritual, embodying the hope that love can bloom even in the darkest places.

Dr. Duncan

Dr. Duncan is the head of the clinical trial, a young doctor with autism who values facts over pleasantries. His honesty about the odds is both comforting and terrifying for the patients. Dr. Duncan's dedication to saving lives is matched by his respect for the emotional realities of his patients. He is a symbol of the limits of medicine and the importance of hope. His presence grounds the story in reality, reminding everyone that science can only do so much, and that the rest is up to love, luck, and the human spirit.

June's Parents (Greg and Claire Scott)

June's parents are her anchor, modeling a love that is both passionate and enduring. Their grief at her illness is palpable, but they never waver in their support. Greg's pride in walking June down the aisle and Claire's nurturing presence are testaments to the power of family. Their willingness to embrace Jesse as a son, and to let June go when the time comes, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. They embody the pain and grace of loving someone you cannot save.

Jesse's Mother (Cynthia Taylor)

Cynthia is Jesse's rock, raising him and his sisters alone after his father's abandonment. Her sacrifices and unwavering support shape Jesse's character and resilience. Cynthia's guilt at not being able to be with Jesse during treatment is a source of pain, but her love is never in doubt. She welcomes June into the family, finding comfort in their bond. Cynthia's journey is one of letting go, trusting that love endures beyond loss.

Silas, Toby, Kate, Cherry

These teens round out the group at Harmony Ranch, each bringing their own stories of struggle and survival. Their presence highlights the randomness of fate—some will live, others will not. Their friendships with June, Jesse, Emma, and Chris create a tapestry of connection, loss, and resilience. They are reminders that no one faces illness alone, and that every life, no matter how brief, leaves an imprint.

Pastor Noel

Pastor Noel offers solace to patients and families, his faith in a peaceful afterlife providing comfort in the face of death. His presence at weddings and funerals, and his conversations with Jesse about what comes next, help the characters—and readers—find meaning in loss. He is a gentle reminder that love and memory are eternal, and that every ending is also a beginning.

Plot Devices

Parallel Narratives and Metafiction

The novel employs a dual narrative: the "real" story of June and Jesse at Harmony Ranch, and the parallel "happily ever after" June writes as their fate becomes uncertain. This metafictional device allows the characters—and readers—to explore both the pain of loss and the hope of survival. The act of writing becomes a form of resistance, a way to create meaning and legacy. The interplay between the two narratives deepens the emotional impact, offering both catharsis and consolation.

Symbolism of Hands, Stars, and Art

Hands—holding, drawing, writing—are a recurring motif, representing intimacy, support, and the act of creation. The anatomical heart drawn on June and Jesse's palms is a literal and figurative symbol of their bond. The star in the night sky, four thousand light years away, becomes a metaphor for love's endurance beyond death. Jesse's art and June's writing are acts of hope, preserving their love for others and for each other, even as their bodies fail.

Chemo Club and Found Family

The formation of the "Chemo Club" is both a narrative and emotional anchor. The group's rituals—movie nights, hand-holding, dark humor—create a sense of belonging and safety. The found family trope is used to explore themes of chosen kinship, mutual care, and the power of collective resilience. The group's unity is tested by loss, but their love for each other becomes a legacy that outlasts individual lives.

Foreshadowing and Circular Structure

The novel is rich in foreshadowing: June's childhood wish to the moon, the repeated motif of "goodnight, not goodbye," and the parallel between the story's opening and closing scenes. The circular structure—ending with June and Jesse together on their porch, in life or in words—reinforces the idea that love is eternal, and that every ending contains the seeds of a new beginning.

Realism and Hope

The narrative does not shy away from the realities of terminal illness—pain, fear, loss, and the limits of medicine. Yet, it insists on the possibility of joy, connection, and meaning, even in the face of death. The story's emotional arc is one of acceptance, not defeat; hope is found not in denial, but in the courage to love fully, knowing that time is short.

Analysis

Write Me for You is a luminous meditation on love, mortality, and the power of storytelling to create meaning in the face of loss. Tillie Cole crafts a narrative that is both heartbreakingly real and defiantly hopeful, refusing to let suffering have the last word. The novel's dual structure—blending the raw reality of terminal illness with the imagined "happily ever after" June writes—invites readers to consider the ways we use stories to heal, remember, and transcend. At its core, the book is a celebration of found family, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love. It does not offer easy answers or false comfort; instead, it honors the pain of loss while insisting that every life, no matter how brief, is worthy of joy and remembrance. The lessons are clear: love bravely, cherish every moment, and leave your mark—whether in words, art, or the hearts of those you touch. In the end, Write Me for You is not just a story about dying, but a testament to the ways we live on—in memory, in legacy, and in the stories we dare to tell.

Last updated: September 29, 2025