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.

it often grow

Karan and Gage managed to compose

"Since it's come to this, we can't let Tanya

it over when

was no small

"Alright."

At dusk.

and Jane arrived, bringing some comfort food with

of Tanya's nap, Karan and Gage called their

wanted to talk

about Tanya. You know her condition. The doctor advised us to prepare for the worst. Your mom and I think... we can't let her leave with any regrets." Jane sensed the gravity behind his words, her brow furrowing, "Dad, are you saying... we should tell

and Gage's

was abandoned

Gage who, longing for

always treated her

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

to see her. It's only right they know, and she knows the whole

concern, "But will they even

"Facing this, as parents,

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

expected Tanya to

emotional wreck they'd anticipated. Instead, she offered a serene smile, "Mom, Dad, I

bother

to them. If they could abandon me once, they