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 grow

Karan and Gage managed to

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

it over when

no small

"Alright."

At dusk.

arrived, bringing some

advantage of Tanya's nap, Karan

Dad, you wanted to

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 about

wasn't Karan and Gage's

was abandoned at

was Karan and Gage who, longing for a daughter,

her as

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

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

his concern, "But will

hearts," Karan sighed. "Facing this, as

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

one expected Tanya to appear

they'd

bother reachin

me once, they mean nothing to me now. You're my real