Beyond the Divorce

My head buzzed.

Late-stage liver cancer? My hands turned cold.

I was concerned but never imagined it would be this severe.

How was I going to tell her? I sat there blankly as the doctor talked about the treatment plan.

He finally sighed and shook his head, saying there was little hope.

I was no longer Grace's daughter-in-law, but she was still Ava's grandmother.

She was the last person in the Murphy family who truly cared about Ava, and time was running out.

All I could see was Ava tightly embracing Grace.

After all, we had lived together for many years.

No matter how she treated me, those memories of living together were good.

I didn't even know how I left the doctor's office.

If Grace hadn't seen me come out and called my name, I might have forgotten she was waiting outside.

"Chlo, what did the doctor say?"

She stared at me intently, looking a bit worried.

"He didn't say much.I knew the doctor, so we talked for a while.You'll be fine.He gave you some medicine and advised you to rest more.You should eat better, too."

I reassured her, "I've got the medicine.Let me take you home now."

manage

She insisted firmly.

and tell you

held her hand to get the

sitting in the lobby, I labeled each bottle with instructions on how to

handed

rest! If you're feeling unwell, you can call me! Of

"Alright!"

was no trace of her earlier

Now, she seemed vulnerable.

"And Ava..."

could not stop worrying

thought about it and realized it was probably time to bring Ava back.Her words were proving true—she was

be back soon!"

go, I'll

"I don't..."

heading that way, anyway.Come

interrupted her polite

going that way, and I should have

her current condition, I couldn't

we left the hospital, I received

that I'd be there soon, then hung up

drove straight toward

timidly saying, "I don't

where do you live?" I asked,

couldn't meet

house I'm in now.I

living in