**”Family Ties”**
Emily, I saw the doctor today, had all the tests. Its bad. If I dont start treatment straight away, I might not have long. But the moneysurgery, chemo, medicationwhere on earth do we get that?
“Dont worry, love, itll be alright, youll see! Im here, well figure something out!”
“I should tell Mum, but Im worried about her heart. Shell fuss, but shell guess anyway. Best to prepare her.”
Emily couldnt believe this was happening. Not even forty, plenty of life leftand now this.
At least she wasnt alone. Michael was there, and his son Jake, whod become like her own. No children of her ownfirst husband left over that. But there was Mum, her sister, her nephew Shed cope. Theyd help.
Michael had raised Jake alonehis wife filed for divorce when Jake turned two and vanished without a trace.
Theyd met in the parkEmily walking her spaniel, Michael tossing a football with Jake. A chat led to dates, then marriage. Comfortable, safe. Theyd started in her flat (inherited from Gran), then sold up for something bigger. Plans made, future brightuntil now.
No time to waste. Emily took a Victoria sponge to Mums.
“Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. Its cancer. If I dont get treatment Well, you know. Michael and I will sort the money somehow.”
“Oh, love, how? Youve always been so healthy, not like Sophie! Always in and out of hospital with her. What rotten luck.”
Exactly what Emily fearedthe theatrics. But better out than not.
“Wish I could help, but Ive just given Sophies boy money for a car. Spoiled him, really. Only grandchild, you understand? Theres my savings, but I cant touch themlose the interest, and its a tidy sum. Your dad insisted I keep it for my pension.”
“I wasnt asking, just telling you.”
Michael sold his car. Covered the first round. Surgery done, but the next treatmentthe lifesaving oneloomed.
“Darling, you look peaky! What do the doctors say? Any hope?”
“Time will tell, Mum. Staying positive. Sophie not visiting, then? Too busy?”
“Oh, shes in Marbella with her husbandsends her love, though!”
“Lovely.” It stung. Her sister had gone radio silent after two calls. A few kind words wouldnt hurt
“Michael, the doctor says theres a good drug, but its extortionate. Cheaper ones might not work. What do we do?”
“Stop fretting, Ill sort it! Im your husband, remember? Jake misses you like madwe both do!”
Warmth flooded her. Thank God for them.
Then she remembered Mums savings.
“Mum, I need money for this drugreal chance itll work. Could you lend it? Well pay back”
“Lend? To my own daughter? Id give it, but lets be honestodds arent great. Spoke to your doctor. What if it doesnt work?”
“Right. Never mind.”
When Mum left, Emily cried. So much for family.
“Sweetheart, got the money! My parentstold them everything, they sold their holiday cottage! Wouldnt take no for an answer. They adore you, truly.”
Her heart clenched. Near-strangers, yet here they were.
Treatment began. Emily worsened.
“Love, we need to talk. Its not working. Ive read updoctors wont say it, but times short. And the flatwhen youre gone, it goes to Michael, even though your grans money bought most of it. Hardly fair. But your nephew Jamesblood familycould use it. Why not sign it over now?”
Emily stared. Was this her mother? Raised her, loved hernow counting down the days?
“Blood family? Where were you when I needed help? Too busy guarding your interest rates? Sophie sunning herself? But sure, lets squeeze me dry while Im still breathing. Get James a flat, eh?”
“Michaels parents sold their home for me. Thats family. Just go, Mum.”
A sigh, then the door shut. What had she said wrong?
Slowly, Emily improved. The drug worked. Michael nearly carried her home from joy.
She signed the flat over to himno lawsuits later. Told Mum.
“Well, thanks for that. Stranger over family! Sophies livid!”
Emily didnt care. She was alive. And that was everything.
