From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Gage shook his head, struggling for words. After a moment, he choked out, "The doctor said Tanya... Tanya might only have three months left."

"What?" Karan's face drained of color, and she stifled a sob with her hand.

Three months.

Only three months left...

Tears welled up in Gage's eyes too. "Hey, come on, don't cry. We don't want Tanya to see us like this. Who knows? With all the miracles in the world, maybe she'll beat this thing with the radiation therapy." Karan was inconsolable, sliding down against the wall to the floor, wishing it were her instead.

Why?

"Oh, Gage!" Karan embraced him tightly.

Gage was at a loss for words, not knowing how to comfort his wife.

The couple held each other, sobbing for what felt like an eternity.

Their grief went unnoticed.

Where were they?

In a hospital.

A place all too familiar with parting and loss.

Disease is merciless.

see it

Karan and Gage

Tanya leave this world with regrets. We need to tell

nodded, "Yeah. Let's talk it over when Hank and Jane

no

"Alright."

At dusk.

and Jane arrived, bringing

advantage of Tanya's nap, Karan and Gage called their children

you wanted to talk

mom and I think... we can't let her leave with any regrets." Jane sensed the gravity behind his words, her

and

was abandoned

was Karan and Gage who, longing for a daughter,

her as

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

parents to see her. It's only right they know, and she

concern, "But

hearts," Karan sighed. "Facing this, as parents, they

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

expected Tanya to appear

calm, not at all the emotional wreck they'd anticipated. Instead, she offered

bother

could abandon me once, they