own hair and black eyes wearing a red dre

they last met, and the weight of their separation had only grown heavier with time. Elaine had always been a pill

flicker of surprise crossed her features before giving way to an exuberant smile. "Cass

tly transporting her back to cherished memories of their laughter-filled ad

once happy face had grown pale, and there were dark bags under her eyes like she hadn't had enough sleep

you been? You se

or a moment, and her gaz

ra knew Elaine like the palm of her hand and cou

mething wron

th sadness. "I wish I could say everything was fine

asping for breath. Cancer—a word laden with fear, uncertainty, and pain. Th

ha

o

h

the

ed with pleading eyes. Cassandra knew exactly how serious Cancer was whe

s face, and she reached out to

her voice filled with a

ce, she could tell

e pulled her into a tight embrace, they two were so occupied in thei

the way. Your strength has always been an inspiration to

get treatment r

rced to take her treatment seriously, Elaine didn't have the guts to tell her that

nerability. She squeezed Cassandra's hands gen

you by my side means more to me than words can express. There will be to

before, and with love and compassion,

that Elaine could lean on, the shoulder to cry on, and the source of unwavering support. Toge

h each other, Cassandra retur

ext m

leaving behind Mary. Elaine had gone to buy some grocerie

her she close her eyes after a sip when the buzzing sound of her phone startled her. Mary's heart skipped a beat as she r

eiver and pressed it against her ear. "Hello

om the Family Medical Center," came

ome distressing news

ad of possibilities. She feared the worst, but she b

ous check up, I have informed her to invite the family over but I guess she had forgotten

ed that she could

s L

Yes” she

hear me?”

does she have?" M

raid it's not good news, Mrs. Lyon," he finally replied, his voice laden with sympathy. "Given th

t say a year

ing about this?” he asked expecting that suc

erself and asked, "Dr. Thompson, what

ialized care, and the need for Elaine to make decisions about her treatment and qual

ary remained seated at the table, her m

r” she uttered in

ng groceries to see Mary

y, I will make a meal for

to talk

look so serious so she wonder

ried to explain herself knowing Mary had been wa

he kitchen and come out

r words and came out of

ired. Mary’s eyes locked onto Elaine, who seeme

ing news.I can't believe you never told us about your illnes

words. "Mother, I... I didn't want to burden you and Richard with my problem

chard about it, you kept such a

er him with a thing li

ws from your husband, from your family. Wh

ike she hadn't tried to tell Richard about

him that I have cancer and I am left

a voice said and El

” the voic

r with his jacket in his hand. His bag had already dro

year to live” she summed up courage t

ut?” he said recalling the discussion she t

you but you wouldn't l

nded and then t

car could be heard as he d

that he would turn his back