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.

back, "Don't worry, Tanya's

Hank took a deep breath, his voice nearly breaking. "The doctor said... Tanya

was taken aback despite knowing the severity

I can't imagine... not having Tanya

said she wasn't that

head, "We're going

We'll make sure of it!" Jane reassured, "We'll get the best treatment, whatever

Jane tightly, "Thank

was grateful to have such

as her own sister after all these years.

in her hospital gown, the other patients were

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

sis-in-law, it's okay. You don't all

we'll head back and

didn't want to leave, but

in the bed next to Tanya

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

woman looked at Tanya with

mix of pi

her own diagnosis at fifty-five