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

Gage

we can't let Tanya leave

and nodded, "Yeah. Let's talk it

was no small

"Alright."

At dusk.

and Jane arrived, bringing some comfort food

nap, Karan and Gage called their children

Dad, you wanted to talk

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

Karan and

was abandoned

Gage who, longing

always treated her as their

"Yeah," Gage confirmed.

her. It's only

"But will

sighed. "Facing this, as parents, they ought

"Little sis?!"

Suddenly, Jane gasped.

expected Tanya to appear right

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

Don't bother reachin

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