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 a fighter.

voice nearly breaking. "The doctor said... Tanya might only have three

despite knowing the severity of

can't imagine... not having

she wasn't that

"We're

sure of it!" Jane reassured, "We'll get the best treatment, whatever it takes. She has to

hugged Jane tightly, "Thank

was grateful to have

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

in her hospital gown,

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

bro, sis-in-law, it's okay. You don't all have to stay.

we'll head back and bring

want to leave, but decided to follow his wife's

in the bed next to Tanya asked curiously, "Is that your son

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

looked at Tanya

mix of pi

She thought her own diagnosis