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

and Gage managed

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

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

was no small

"Alright."

At dusk.

bringing some comfort food

Tanya's nap, Karan and Gage called

Dad, you wanted to talk to

can't let her leave with any regrets."

Karan and Gage's

abandoned at

was Karan and Gage who, longing for a

always treated her as their

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

plan to invite Tanya's birth parents to see her. It's only right they know, and she knows the whole

concern, "But

sighed. "Facing this, as parents, they ought to

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

expected Tanya to appear

not at all the emotional wreck they'd

bother

me once, they mean nothing to me