The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Well Doctor, what are my chances?” I ask, bracing myself for more bad news.

It’s Christmas Eve, and I barely managed to slip away from the penthouse for this appointment. Still, after Paisley discovered the truth of my condition, I knew it couldn’t wait. I’m determined to fight for my family, but I have to stay grounded. I have to prepare for the most likely outcome, and that means remaining cautious with my plans. I can’t be confident I’ll survive, but I can certainly put my plans into motion whether I succeed or not.

I’ve already created a trust for our children, complete with college funds and living expenses to ensure that the burden of caring for the pups financially won’t be on Jane’s shoulders. I’ve also created a considerable allowance for Jane herself. I know she’s passionate about her work, but I want to make sure she has the freedom to enjoy her career, rather than feeling obligated to retain her business for the sake of economic security.

My other efforts are less straightforward, and will take more than a little deception. I’m relying on Linda and Eric to help, as well as Matthew and Paisley. Of course Paisley is one of the main reasons I’m doing all this and I fully intend her to benefit as much as her siblings, but now that she knows she can also help me. It’s amazing the difference a day can make.

My daughter learning my secret had an impact on me I could not have foreseen. She reminded me of why I can’t give up, and she made me feel as though I’m not alone in this for the first time since I first got the news. I’m ashamed of the way I’ve behaved until now, and I can only pray that it’s not to late to turn things around for my family – if not for myself.

Well, your condition isn’t as hopeless as it seemed a month ago.” The surgeon frowns, pulling my attention back to the present. “But I have to tell you, Alpha, I’m still not seeing the kind of results which would warrant reevaluating your prognosis. In all likelihood you still only have a year left.”

“But it’s better?” I press. “If only a little?”

Yes.” He confirms, sighing gravely. “But I have to caution you not to get your hopes up. We see these small improvements sometimes, but the extent of the larger damage is so great that minor changes don’t really hold any weight.”

“Is there anything I can do to try and improve my condition?” I ask, committing myself to try any home remedy, exercise, experimental procedure or medications he can offer.

“Actually the braces are probably helping more than anything else.” The physician concedes, “they’re keeping your limbs moving and muscles engaged.”

“Wouid it help if I did even more physical activity?”

I suggest.

Perhaps, I can also refer you to a specialist in the Shadow Pack. I know of a practice working on cutting edge robotics procedures for spinal cord injuries.” He shares.

tell me this before?” I demand,

replies stiffly. “And that’s what

return from the dead. Maybe if more people

first who’s found a second wind when their decline happens over a long period of time. It’s easy to feel like you might cheat fate when you can’t feel the changes immediately. It’s not

my decline every day. How many of your past patients have

of your caliber:”

comes to being trapped.” I relate. “And I’d also ask you to consider how my powers

bearing identical and thoroughly mischievous grins. Hello my little monsters.”I greet them

you even using your eyes?” Riley quips in reply, gesturing

Penthouse has been decorated for Christmas, including a tall evergreen tree, stockings over the fireplace, garlands and string lights covering every available surface, and handmade strings of popcorn and cranberries. The air even smells like the holidays, full of cinnamon and nutmeg, freshly baked ginger

my Goddess!” I exclaim, feigning shock. “Elves must have broken into the apartment and decorated

it was us!” Parker replies

I gasp, “but it’s so beautiful!” I move further into the apartment, looking for Jane.

were no elves!” Ryder giggles, “Mommy bought

like it?” Paisley adds, looking up at me

turn. This place was pretty bland before you got here. You all saved me, I wasn’t ready to welcome Santa at all.” Of course, this isn’t the only way they saved me, though they

clearly pleased with herself –

it.” I smile, “She’s always loved Christmas more than

can’ believe we almost didn’ spend it with you, Daddy.” Paisley murmurs softly, her little face scrunched up in displeasure. I don’t like seeing the stress on her precious features, she’s already wise beyond her years after going through

know, what was Mommy thinking.” Parker

give your Mommy a break.” I

her, and she

she didn’ listen to us,” Ryder