"In My Next Life" is a short story by Pam Houston, part of the collection "Cowboys Are My Weakness" published in 1992. The story is a love story between two women, one of whom is the unnamed narrator, a white woman. She meets Abby, a mixed-race woman of Native American heritage, who is a skilled horse trainer. They quickly develop a deep connection, both having emotional baggage from difficult relationships with men.
Abby's past is marked by a lack of connection with her Native American heritage, but she has recently embraced it. However, when she discovers a lump in her breast, she opts for shamanic healing over medical intervention, causing a cultural divide between her and the narrator. The narrator seeks advice from her gay friend Thomas on bridging this gap and realizes that their love is the key to understanding Abby's beliefs.
As Abby's health deteriorates, she ends up in the hospital, and the cancer has become metastatic despite a double mastectomy. Abby chooses not to pursue aggressive treatment. The two women, who would have had a physical relationship under different circumstances, express their love through nurturing and physical affection as the narrator helps Abby die in peace. The story highlights the power of love to bridge cultural differences but also underscores the profound loss of a soul mate.
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