Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 25

The second I got the test results, it felt like the whole world just faded away. Why did this have to happen now of all times? What used to be a maybe from the doctor was now a fact. Late-stage stomach cancer.

I wanted to scream, to fight it, but in the end, what choice did I really have? When it comes to life or death, it’s never up to us. It just happens, and there’s nothing you can do but accept it.

All I could think about was Darleen, still lying in her hospital bed. For her, I had to keep it together.

“Doctor, how long do I have?” I tried to sound calm, even though my heart was racing.

He glanced at the papers, then at me. “You need to start treatment as soon as possible. Watch your diet, too.” He studied my scans again. “It’s hard to say, but the earlier you start, the better your chances.”

I met his eyes. “Can you tell me how much this is all going to cost?”

He gave me a long, sympathetic look. “Isn’t your mom here too?”

I nodded, and he just shook his head. “I don’t have to tell you, these treatments aren’t cheap. And with your mother also getting care...”

He’d seen this kind of thing too many times. Fate never seemed to pick on the lucky ones. All he could do was treat people. Everything else was out of his hands.

“Thank you, Doctor. I get it.”

I held the report tight as I walked out, then stopped in front of Darleen’s room. Through the door, I saw her curled up on the bed, looking so small. If I had to pick between saving her or myself, I’d give her the chance every single time. She’d saved me twice. I’d never even gotten close to paying her back.

While I stood there, lost in my thoughts, a nurse came by and opened the door. I stuffed the report into my pocket, took a deep breath, and walked in with a smile.

“Mom, how are you feeling today?”

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