**The Ties That Bind**
Martha, Ive been to the doctor and had all the tests done. Its bad. If I dont start treatment straightaway, I wont last long. I need moneysurgery, chemotherapy, medication. Where am I supposed to get it?
Dont fret, love, itll be alright, Im certain! Im with you! Well think of something!
I must tell Mum. I worry about her heartshell be beside herself. But I cant keep it from her; shed guess anyway. Best to prepare her.
Emma couldnt believe this was happening. She wasnt even forty yetso much life ahead. And now this wretched illness.
At least she wasnt alone. There was Michael, and his son Alfie, whod become like her own. Shed never had childrenher first husband had left her over it. Still, she had her mother, her sister, her nephew. Shed manage; theyd stand by her.
Michael had raised Alfie alone. His wife had filed for divorce and vanished when the boy was two, never to be heard from again.
Theyd met in Hyde Park. She was walking her spaniel, and he was playing with his son. They struck up a conversation, started seeing each other. With him, she felt safe, content. Shed married him gladly.
At first, they lived in her flata legacy from her grandmother. Later, they sold it and bought a larger one, cramped as they were. They had plans, dreams. Now everything was unraveling.
Without delay, Emma visited her mother with a Victoria sponge in hand.
Mum, dont fret, but I must tell you. Theyve found cancer. If I dont start treatment soon… well, you know. Now Michael and I must figure out where to get the money…
Oh, Emma, how can this be? Youve always been so strong, never poorlynot like Sarah. Always dragging her to hospitals since she was little. What a dreadful thing…
This was what Emma had fearedher mothers hysterics. But there was no avoiding it. Best to face it head-on.
I cant even help you. All my savings went to Sarahs boy for his new car. Spoilt him rotten. Hed wanted it so badly. Youve no children of your own, so I help Sarah and her lad now. Only grandson, you understand.
Theres still my bank deposit, of course, but I cant withdraw itlose the interest, and its a tidy sum. Your father insisted I put it there before he passed, a little extra for my pension.
I wasnt asking, Mum. Just telling you.
Michael sold his car. The money covered the first round of treatment. Emma had her surgery, but the next phase would decide everything.
Oh, darling, you look dreadful! What do the doctors say? Any hope?
Time will tell, Mum. Im hopefulalways an optimist. Sarah hasnt visitedtoo busy, I suppose?
Shes in Spain with her husband, on holiday. But she asks after you constantly, sends her love.
How kind. Since she heard, shes barely spoken to me. A call or two, and thats it. Well, never mind…
It stung, her sisters indifference. A few kind words would have meant so much.
Michael, the doctor says I need these drugs, but theyre frightfully dear. There are cheaper ones, but they might not work. What do we do? Where do we find that sort of money?
Dont fret, love, Ill sort it! Im your husband, remember? Alfie misses you terriblywe both do. Were waiting for you, loving you every step.
Her heart warmed. What a blessing, having them.
Then she remembered her mothers deposit and decided to ask.
Mum, I need moneyfor a drug that could save me. Any chance you could lend it? Wed pay you back…
Lend? To my own daughter? Id give it if I could. But lets be honestthe odds arent good. Ive spoken to your doctor. What if you spend it all, and it fails?
Understood, Mum. Forget I asked.
When her mother left, Emma wept. So much for family.
Darling, Ive got the money! My parentsbless them! When I told them, they wouldnt hear of refusing. Sold their cottage, gave every penny for your treatment.
Theyd offered before, but Id said no. Now, I took it. They adore you, believe youll pull through.
Her heart ached with gratitude. They were near strangers, yet here they were, giving everything.
Treatment began. Emma grew worse.
Darling, we must talk. Listen, and understand. As I feared, it isnt working. Ive read up on it.
However the doctors sugarcoat it, times short. Theyll bleed you dry if they can.
Heres what troubles me. If you pass, the flat goes to Michaelyou bought it together. But most of the money was yours, from selling your grandmothers place. He barely added a thing.
So a stranger takes everything? Thats not right. But youve got Charlieyour nephew, flesh and blood. He could use that flat.
Why not sign it over now? Avoid surprises later…
Emma stared. Was this truly her mother? Raised her, loved hernow waiting for her to die?
Flesh and blood? Where were you when I needed help? Worried over your interest, your precious profit.
Dear Sarah sunned herself in Spain, too busy to spare a thought. Why bother? Im halfway to the grave, arent I?
But theres still something to squeeze from mea flat for Charlie.
Michaels parents sold their cottage without a second thought, gave it all freely. Whos family now? Leave me, Mum. Please.
Her mother sighed and left. What had she said wrong?
In time, Emma improved. The drugs worked. Michael was overjoyed, ready to carry her home in his arms.
She signed the flat over to him, ensuring her family couldnt dispute it later. She told her mother.
Well, thank you, dear. A stranger matters more than kin! Sarah will be beside herself!
But Emma didnt care. She was alive. She was happy. And that was all that mattered.
