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

and Gage managed to

Tanya leave this world with regrets. We

and nodded, "Yeah. Let's talk it over when Hank and Jane come

was no small

"Alright."

At dusk.

bringing some comfort food

advantage of Tanya's nap, Karan

to

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

Karan and Gage's biological

was abandoned

it was Karan and Gage who, longing for a

her as

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

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

"But will

"Facing this, as

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

Tanya to appear right

emotional wreck they'd anticipated. Instead, she offered a serene smile,

bother reachin

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