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.

held his hand back, "Don't worry, Tanya's

breath, his voice nearly breaking. "The

taken aback despite knowing

can't imagine... not

Dad said she wasn't

"We're going to try

it!" Jane reassured, "We'll get the

Jane tightly, "Thank

was grateful to have

her own sister after all these years. Once the admission was settled, Tanya was moved into a ward with other cancer

hospital gown, the

Jane, why don't you guys head back? Dad and I

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

agreed, "Alright, we'll head back and bring

didn't want to leave, but

in the bed next to Tanya asked curiously, "Is

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

at Tanya

mix of pi

thought her