From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

As soon as the words were spoken, silence fell over the room like a heavy blanket.

Lung cancer? Advanced stage?

Impossible!

How could Tanya suddenly have lung cancer?

Everyone thought they were hearing things.

Gage Jones stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, forcing a laugh, "Come on, Jane, don't joke about something like this. It's not funny at all." "Exactly!" Hank chimed in.

"I'm not joking," Jane choked out, her eyes welling up with tears, "My little sister... she really has lung cancer..."

Tanya couldn't hold back her tears any longer.

Crash-

Karan Jones was pouring water when he heard the news, and the glass slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor.

"What... Jane, what are you saying?"

Jane covered her mouth, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Tanya Jones? Really?" Karan rushed to Tanya's side.

With tears in her eyes, Tanya nodded.

this isn't true!" Karan enveloped Tanya in a tight embrace, crying out, "It can't be true! My child, so young, how could you be

handle being the one who was

only

life was

she

Karan wished she could trade her life for

Karan was filled with regret, wishing she could slap herself

was all

attentive enough to

wonder Tanya had suddenly spent all her savings on gifts for

No wonder...

had not only neglected Tanya but also made her

his tears, "Tanya, my child, this will kill your mom and me." After

face in

fifties, bending like a

the living room was

the bridge of his nose, trying to keep his emotions in check. With both parents and his wife in disarray, he knew he had to stand strong; otherwise, their

Dad, Jane, please stop

the hospital. Don't worry about the money; Jane and I have saved up a bit over a million. With how advanced medical science is, Tanya can

now. Your dad and I have also saved up a

no use, Mom, Dad, bro, sis-in-law, please don't waste your money. Instead of enduring all that pain in the hospital, I'd rather spend my last days with you all, making good

years now. As long as you

looked at Jane,