From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )



It took a moment before the father and son emerged from the doctor's office.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Karan was on his feet in an instant, "Dad, what did the doctor say?"

Gage smiled, "Nothing to worry about, the doc said Tanya's doing pretty okay, all things considered. With the right treatment, she'll be back on her feet in no time!"

Karan's eyes lit up, "Really?"

Gage gave him a look, "Do you really think I'd joke about something like this?"

With that, Gage turned to Tanya, "No more doom and gloom, okay? Just stick with the treatment plan and you'll be just fine."

Tanya knew her condition better than anyone, but to keep her parents from worrying, she nodded in agreement.

Hank spoke up, "I'll go get the hospital admission sorted."

"Go ahead," Gage nodded in agreement.

Jane decided to accompany him, "I'll come with you."

"Let's go," Hank took her hand, and they headed towards the ground floor.

As soon as they were out of sight, Hank's smile faded.

Jane, concerned, whispered, "Is Tanya's condition worse than they said?"

Hank squeezed her hand tighter.

Jane sighed and held his hand back, "Don't worry, Tanya's a fighter. She'll get through this."

Exiting the elevator, Hank took a deep breath, his voice nearly breaking, "The doctor said... Tanya might only have three months left."

Jane was taken aback despite knowing the severity of cancer.

"Three months? I can't imagine... not having Tanya around."

"But Dad said she wasn't that bad off, right?"

Hank shook his head, "We're going to try radiation therapy."

"It'll be okay! We'll make sure of it!" Jane reassured, "We'll get the best treatment, whatever it takes. She has to get better."

Hank hugged Jane tightly, "Thank you, Jane."

He was grateful to have such a supportive wife.

"What are you thanking me for? Tanya's my sister too, isn't she?" Jane had come to see Tanya as her own sister after all these years. Once the admission was settled, Tanya was moved into a ward with other cancer patients, being the youngest among them. Seeing Tanya in her hospital gown, the other patients were visibly surprised.

After settling in, Karan said, "Hank, Jane, why don't you guys head back? Dad and I have got it covered here."

Tanya nodded, "Yeah, big bro, sis-in-law, it's okay. You don't all have to stay. There aren't even enough chairs, head on home."

Jane agreed, "Alright, we'll head back and bring you some food later."

Hank initially didn't want to leave, but decided to follow his wife's suggestion.

After they left, the woman in the bed next to Tanya asked curiously, "Is that your son and his wife?"

Karan nodded, "Yeah."

"And she's your daughter?"

"Yes," Karan replied.

The woman looked at Tanya with a mix of pity and surprise. She thought her own diagnosis at fifty-five was bad enough, but Tanya was so young.

"Don't worry, dear. Cancer is tough, but with today's medical advances, there's always hope for recovery!" the woman said encouragingly.

"Definitely," Karan nodded with a forced optimism.

Gage turned to Tanya, "Is there anything special you want to eat? I can go get it for you."

Tanya shook her head.

"How about I grab your favorite, some berries?" Gage suggested.

"I'll come with," Karan stood up quickly.

Gage agreed, and they left the room.

Outside, Karan finally voiced his concern, Dad, please, tell me the truth about Tanya's condition." Gage's previous explanation felt too light-hearted, and Karan was sensing something was off