**”Blood Is Thicker Than Water”**
I went to the doctor today for my test results. Its bad. If I dont start treatment soon, I dont have much time left. The surgery is complexchemotherapy, medicationall of it costs a fortune. Where on earth will we get that kind of money?
“Dont worry, love, itll be alright,” Michael said, squeezing my hand. “Well figure something out. Im here with you.”
I should tell Mum, but I dread how shell take it. Shell fret, panicher heart cant take shocks. Still, keeping it from her is impossible. Shell sense somethings wrong anyway. Best to prepare her.
I cant believe this is happening. Not even forty, and already this. So much life left, and now this wretched illness.
At least Im not alone. Michaels here, and his son, Alex, whos become like family. No children of my ownmy first husband left over that. Still, I have Mum, my sister Claire, and my nephew. Ill get through this. Theyll help.
Michael raised Alex alone. His wife filed for divorce when the boy was two and vanished without a trace. We met in the parkme walking the dog, him playing with Alex. We got talking, started dating. He was steady, warm. I married him gladly.
At first, we lived in my flatGrandmas old place. Eventually, we sold it and bought something bigger, the three of us squeezed tight otherwise. We had plans. Now everythings upside down.
No point delaying. I went to Mums with a cake.
“Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. They found cancer. If I dont start treatment soon well, you know. Michael and I are figuring out how to pay for it.”
“Oh, Annie, how could? Youve always been so strong, never sick a day, not like Claire. Always dragging her to hospitals. What rotten luck.”
This was what I fearedthe dramatics, the fuss. But better she hears it straight.
“I wish I could help, love. Gave all my savings to Claires boy for his new car. Spoiled him rottenhes my only grandson, after all. Theres still my bank deposit, but I cant touch it without losing interest. Your dad insisted I keep it therepassive income, he said.”
“I wasnt asking, Mum. Just telling you.”
Michael sold the car. It covered the first round of treatment. The operation went ahead. Now the next stage, the one that decides everything.
“Darling, you look dreadful,” Mum said, visiting the hospital. “Any hope?”
“Time will tell. Staying positive.” I forced a smile. “Claire hasnt visited. Too busy?”
“Oh, shes in Spain with her husbandholiday, you know. But she sends her love.”
“Thats something, I suppose.” It stung. Since the diagnosis, Claires calls dried up. A few hollow words, then silence.
“Annie,” Michael said later, “the doctor mentioned a new drugexpensive, but effective. The cheaper ones might not work. Ill find the money. Im your husband. Alex misses you. We both do.”
My heart ached with gratitude. At least I have them.
Then I remembered Mums deposit. Swallowing pride, I asked.
“Mum, the drugs costly. Could you lend us?”
“Lend? Dont be daft. But, love, lets be honest. The odds arent good. Spoke to your doctorno guarantees the drug will work. Why waste money?”
“I see. Never mind.”
After she left, tears came. So much for family.
“Annie!” Michael burst in later. “My parents sold their cottage! Theyre giving us the moneyall of it!”
Theyd offered before, but pride made me refuse. Now, I took it. Strangers, yet they cared more than blood.
Treatment began. I worsened.
Mum visited again, solemn. “Darling, we need to talk. The treatments failing. You havent got long. Doctors will keep milking you for cash. Listenwhen youre gone, Michael gets the flat? Most of it was yours from Grandmas sale. He barely contributed. A stranger, taking everything? Unfair. But your nephew, Ethanhes family. Why not sign it over to him now?”
I stared. Was this my mother? Raised me, only to count the days till Im gone?
“Family? Where were you when I needed help? Clinging to your precious interest. Claire sunning herself in Spaintoo busy for a dying sister. Yet here you are, picking at scraps like vultures.”
Michaels parents sold their home without hesitation. Thats family. “Leave, Mum. Please.”
She sighed and left. What did she expect?
Miraculously, I recovered. The drug worked. Michael wept with relief.
I signed the flat over to himcut off any future disputes. Told Mum.
“Fine. A stranger means more than kin. Claire will be gutted.”
Let her be. Im alive. Im happy. Thats what matters.
