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.

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

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

aback despite knowing

months? I can't imagine... not having Tanya

wasn't that

shook his head, "We're going to try radiation

We'll make sure of it!" Jane reassured, "We'll get

tightly,

was grateful to have such a supportive

too, isn't she?" Jane had come to see Tanya as her own sister after all these years.

in her hospital gown,

don't you guys head back? Dad and I have

nodded, "Yeah, big bro, sis-in-law, it's okay. You don't all have to stay. There aren't even

head back and bring you some food

leave, but decided to follow his wife's

bed next to Tanya asked curiously, "Is that

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

at

mix of pi

surprise. She thought her