**”Blood Is Thicker Than Water”**
Emily, I went to the doctor and got the tests done. Its bad. If I dont start treatment soon, I wont last long. I need moneysurgery, chemotherapy, medication. Where am I supposed to get it?
Dont worry, love, itll be alright, I promise! Im here for you! Well figure something out!
I should tell Mum. Im worried about her heartshell get herself worked up. But I cant keep it from her. Shell guess anyway. Better prepare her.
Emily couldnt believe this was happening. She wasnt even forty yet. She should have years ahead of her, and now this illness.
At least she wasnt alone. Michael was by her side, and his son Jake, who had become like her own. Shed never had childrenher first husband left her over it. But she still had Mum, her sister, her nephew. Shed get through thistheyd help.
Michael had raised Jake alone. His ex-wife filed for divorce when Jake was two and vanished without a trace.
Emily met Michael in the park. She was walking her dog; he was playing with his son. They got talking, started dating. He made her feel safe, happy. She married him gladly.
At first, they lived in her flat, inherited from her gran. Later, they sold it and bought something biggertoo cramped for three. They had plans. Now everything was falling apart.
Not wasting time, Emily visited her mum with a cake.
Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. They found cancer. If I dont get treatment well, you know. Michael and I are figuring out how to pay for it
Oh, love, how? Youve never been sick! Always so healthy, not like Sophie. I was always dragging her to hospitals. What rotten luck
This was what Emily had fearedthe dramatics, the hysterics. But better to be honest.
I cant even help. All my savings went to Sophies lad for his new car. Spoiled him, I did. Hes my only grandson. Youve no kids, so I help Sophie and him now.
Theres a savings account, but I cant touch itlose the interest, and its a tidy sum. Dad told me to keep it there before he passedextra income for my pension.
I wasnt asking, Mum. Just letting you know.
Michael sold his car. It covered the first round of treatment. Emily had surgery, but more was neededher life depended on it.
Oh, darling, you look dreadful! What do the doctors say? Any chance?
Time will tell, Mum. Im hopefulalways look on the bright side. Sophie hasnt visited. Too busy, I suppose?
Shes in Spain with her husband, but she sends her love.
How kind. Since she found out, shes barely called. Never mind.
It stung that her sister couldnt even offer comfort. A few kind words wouldve been enough.
Michael, the doctor says I need expensive drugs. Cheaper ones might not work. What do we do?
Dont fret, love. Ill get the money. Im your husbandremember that! Jake misses you. We both do. We love you.
Her heart warmed. How lucky she was to have them.
Emily remembered Mums savings. She asked for help.
Mum, I need money for a drug that could save me. Could you lend it? Well pay you back.
Lend? What nonsenseId give it if I could. But lets be honest. The odds arent good. I spoke to your doctor. What if the drug fails?
Never mind, Mum.
When her mum left, Emily cried. So much for family.
Love, Ive got the money! My parents helped. Sold their cottage, gave me every penny.
Theyd offered before, but I refused. Now I took it. They adore you. Believe youll pull through.
Emilys heart ached with gratitude. These peoplepractically strangerswere willing to help.
The treatment began. Emily grew worse.
Darling, we need to talk. The treatment isnt working. Ive read up on it.
However the doctors sugarcoat it, times short. They just want your money.
When youre gone, Michael gets the flatyour grans money bought most of it. He barely contributed.
A stranger walks away with everything? Unfair. But youve got James, your nephewblood. He could use that flat.
Sign it over to him now. Avoid surprises later.
Emily stared. Was this her mother? Raised her, loved hernow waiting for her to die?
Blood, is it? Where were you when I needed help? Worried about your interest, were you?
Dear Sophie sunbathed in Spaintoo busy to visit. Why bother? Im halfway to the grave.
But lets squeeze something out of me first. Get James that flat.
Michaels parents sold their cottage without hesitationgave it all freely. Whos family now? Leave, Mum. Please.
Her mother left, baffled. What had she said wrong?
In time, Emily improved. The drug worked. Michael was overjoyed.
She signed the flat over to himso her family couldnt claim it later. She told her mum.
Well, thanks, love. A stranger matters more than family! Sophie will be gutted!
Emily didnt care. She was alive. She was happy. Thats all that mattered.
