From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

It took a moment before the father and son emerged from the doctor's office.

Karan was on his feet in an instant, "Dad, what did the doctor say?"

Gage smiled, "Nothing to worry about, the doc said Tanya's doing pretty okay, all things considered. With the right treatment, she'll be back on her feet in no time!" Karan's eyes lit up, "Really?"

Gage gave him a look, "Do you really think I'd joke about something like this?"

With that, Gage turned to Tanya, "No more doom and gloom, okay? Just stick with the treatment plan and you'll be just fine."

Tanya knew her condition better than anyone, but to keep her parents from worrying, she nodded in agreement.

Hank spoke up, "I'll go get the hospital admission sorted."

"Go ahead," Gage nodded in agreement.

Jane decided to accompany him, "I'll come with you."

"Let's go," Hank took her hand, and they headed towards the ground floor.

As soon as they were out of sight, Hank's smile faded.

Jane, concerned, whispered, "Is Tanya's condition worse than they said?"

Hank squeezed her hand tighter.

"Don't worry,

his voice nearly breaking. "The

taken aback despite knowing the severity

imagine...

she wasn't

shook his head, "We're

"We'll get the

tightly,

was grateful to have such

you thanking me for? Tanya's my sister too, isn't she?" Jane had come to see Tanya as her own sister after all these years. Once the admission was settled, Tanya was moved into a ward with other cancer patients,

hospital gown,

Karan said, "Hank, Jane, why don't you guys head back? Dad and

okay. You don't all have to stay. There aren't even enough chairs,

head back

want to leave, but decided to follow his

they left, the woman in the bed next to Tanya asked curiously, "Is that your

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

woman looked at Tanya

mix of pi

thought her own diagnosis