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

Gage managed

come to this, we can't let Tanya leave this

talk it over when Hank and Jane come

no

"Alright."

At dusk.

arrived, bringing some comfort food with

nap, Karan and Gage called

to talk to

for the worst. Your mom and I think... we can't let her leave with any regrets." Jane sensed

Karan and

abandoned

who, longing for a daughter, had adopted

always treated her as

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

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

concern, "But will

sighed. "Facing this, as parents, they ought

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

Tanya to appear right

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

bother

once, they mean