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.

this

my patients miracles.” He replies stiffly. “And that’s what we’re talking about here. It

thinking of Paisley’s repeated surgeries, and Jane’s return from the dead. Maybe if more

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 that I don’t feel for you, I just want

I’ve been struggling with my decline every day.

of your

also ask you to consider how my

I’m elated to find the pups waiting for me at the door, bearing identical and thoroughly mischievous grins. Hello my little monsters.”I greet them happily, scooping them up into a five- way hug. What

your eyes?” Riley quips in reply, gesturing behind us to

entire 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 cookies and

I exclaim, feigning shock. “Elves must have broken into

elves, it

beautiful!” I move further into the apartment, looking for Jane. “Did the

no elves!” Ryder giggles, “Mommy

it?” Paisley adds,

love it.” I answer, kissing their sweet faces in 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,

you’re ready.” Riley nods, clearly pleased with herself – and

it.” I smile, “She’s always

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 her own medical struggles, I feel terribly

know, what was Mommy thinking.” Parker adds

your Mommy a break.” I instruct

for her, and she only

she didn’ listen to us,” Ryder