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, Tanya's a fighter.

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

taken aback despite knowing the

can't imagine...

said she wasn't

his head, "We're going to try radiation

Jane reassured, "We'll get the best treatment, whatever it

hugged Jane tightly, "Thank

to have such a supportive

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,

her hospital gown, the other patients

guys head back?

it's okay. You don't all have to

back

but decided to follow

the bed next to Tanya asked curiously,

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

looked at

mix of pi

thought her own diagnosis