Oh, love, I went to the doctor and had all the tests done. Its bad news. If I dont start treatment straight away, I wont last long. The operations complicated, then chemo, medicationits all so expensive. Where are we supposed to get that kind of money?
Dont worry, sweetheart, well figure it out! Im here for you, always. Itll be alright, youll see.
I have to tell Mum. Im worried about her heartshell get so upset. But I cant keep it from her. Shed guess anyway. She needs to know.
Emma couldnt believe this was happening to her. She wasnt even forty yetso much life ahead. And now this illness, out of nowhere.
At least she wasnt alone. James was there, and his son Alfie, whod become like her own. Shed never had childrenher first husband left over it. But she still had Mum, her sister, her nephew. Shed get through this. Theyd help.
James had raised Alfie alone. His wife left when Alfie was two, just vanished without a word.
Theyd met in the parkEmma walking her dog, James playing with his little boy. They got talking, started seeing each other. He made her feel safe, happy. She married him without a second thought.
At first, they lived in her flatthe one her nan had left her. Then they sold it and bought a bigger place, more room for the three of them. They had plans. And now this.
No point delaying. Emma took a cake round to her mums.
Mum, dont panic, but I need to tell you. Theyve found cancer. If I dont get treatment soon Well, you know. James and I are trying to figure out how to pay for it all.
Oh, love, how can this be? Youve always been so healthynot like your sister, always in and out of hospital. What rotten luck.
This was what Emma had dreaded. The dramatics, the fuss. But she had to tell her. Better the truth.
I wish I could help, darling. But I gave all my savings to your sisters boybought him that car hed been dreaming of. Spoiled him rotten. You dont have kids, so I thought Well, hes my only grandson.
Theres still the savings account, but I cant touch thatlose all the interest. Dad made me promise to keep it there, extra income for my pension.
I wasnt asking, Mum. Just letting you know.
James sold his car. That covered the first round. Emma had the operation, but there was more treatment aheadthe kind that could save her life.
Oh, love, you look peaky. What do the doctors say? Any chance of getting better?
Well see, Mum. Staying positive. Speaking ofhas Lucy been in? Bit busy, I suppose?
Oh, shes in Spain with her husband. But she asks after you! Sends her love.
Lovely. Since she found out, its been two calls and nothing. Suppose shes got better things to do.
It stung, her sister pulling away like that. Not even a proper Im here for you.
James, the doctor says theres a better drug, but its thousands. The cheap one might not even work. What do we do?
Well find it, love. Im your husbandthats my job. Alfie misses you like mad. We both do. We love you.
Her heart warmed. Thank God for them.
Then she remembered Mums savings.
Mum, I need help. Theres a drug that could really work, but its so expensive. Could you lend us the money? Well pay you back.
Lend? Dont be daftif I had it, Id give it. But lets be honest, love. The odds arent great. I spoke to your doctor. What if you spend all that and it doesnt work?
Right. Forget I asked.
When Mum left, Emma cried. So much for family.
Darling, Ive got the money! My parents sold their holiday homegave us every penny. Theyve always wanted to help, but I never let them. Not this time. They adore you. They *know* youll pull through.
Emmas chest ached with gratitude. These peoplepractically strangerscared more than her own blood.
Treatment started. Then she took a turn.
Love, we need to talk. Hard as it is this isnt working. Ive read up on it. The doctors wont say it, but times running out. They just want your money.
Now, think. If youre gone, James gets the flatmost of it was your nans money anyway. He barely chipped in.
Is that fair? Your nephew, Tom*family*could really use that flat. Why not sign it over now? Save the hassle later.
Emma stared. Was this really her mother? Raised her, loved hernow counting down the days?
Family? Where were you when I needed help? Too busy guarding your precious savings. Lucys sunning herself in Spaincouldnt spare five minutes. But sure, lets scrape whats left before Im cold.
Jamess parents sold their *home* for me. *Thats* family. Just go, Mum.
Her mother sighed and left. What had she said wrong?
Slowly, Emma improved. The drug worked. James was over the moon.
She signed the flat over to himno surprises later. Made sure Mum knew.
Well, thanks for that. A stranger matters more than your own flesh and blood. Lucy will be heartbroken.
Emma didnt care. She was alive. She was happy. Thats what mattered.
