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.

who see it often

Gage managed

pain, said, "Since it's come to this, we can't let Tanya leave this world with regrets. We need to

"Yeah. Let's talk it

no

"Alright."

At dusk.

and Jane arrived, bringing some comfort food with

nap, Karan and

you wanted to talk

"It's 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 Tanya

and Gage's

abandoned at

was Karan and Gage who,

treated her

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

invite Tanya's birth parents to see her. It's only right

his concern, "But

sighed. "Facing this, as

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

one expected Tanya to appear

they'd anticipated. Instead, she offered a serene

Don't bother

If they could abandon me once, they mean nothing to me now.