**”Flesh and Blood”**
Emily clutched the test results in her trembling hands, her voice barely above a whisper. “James, I saw the doctor. Its bad. If I dont start treatment soon, II wont make it. The surgery, the chemo, the medication its all so expensive. Where are we supposed to find that kind of money?”
James pulled her close, his grip firm. “Its going to be alright, love. Well figure it out. I wont let you go through this alone.”
“I have to tell Mum. Im worried about her heartshell be beside herself. But shell know somethings wrong anyway. I have to prepare her.”
Emily couldnt believe this was happening. Not yet forty, with so much life aheadhow could cancer take that from her?
At least she wasnt alone. James was her rock, and his son, Tommy, had become like her own. Shed never had children of her ownher first husband had walked out because of it. But she had Mum, her sister Claire, her nephew Jake. Theyd support her. Shed get through this.
James had raised Tommy alone. His wife had filed for divorce and vanished when Tommy was two, leaving no trace.
Theyd met in Hyde ParkEmily walking her spaniel, James playing with Tommy. A chance conversation led to dates, then marriage. With him, she felt safe. At first, theyd lived in her grandmothers old flat, then sold it for something bigger when space grew tight. Theyd made plans. Now, everything was crumbling.
That same evening, Emily arrived at her mothers with a cake.
“Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. Its cancer. If I dont get treatment soon Well, you understand. James and I are trying to figure out how to afford it.”
“Oh, Emily! How? Youve always been so strongnothing like Claire, always in and out of hospitals. What rotten luck”
Emily had dreaded this. The hysterics, the dramatics. But she couldnt keep it hidden.
“I cant help you, love. I gave all my savings to Jake for his new car. Spoiled him rotten. You never had children, so Ive always helped Claire and Jake. Hes my only grandson, you know.”
She hesitated. “Theres still the savings account, but I cant touch itId lose the interest. Your father left that money for my pension. A steady income.”
“I wasnt asking,” Emily said flatly.
James sold his car to cover the first round of treatment. Emily went into hospital for surgery, but the next phasethe one that could save herloomed like a mountain.
“Oh, darling, you look dreadful!” her mother fretted during a visit. “What do the doctors say? Is there hope?”
“Time will tell,” Emily murmured. “Im trying to stay positive. Claire hasnt visitedtoo busy, I suppose?”
“Shes in Spain with her husband. But she asks about you all the time!”
Emily swallowed bitterness. Since the diagnosis, Claire had called twice. That was it. No comfort, no presence.
“James,” she whispered later, tears in her eyes. “The doctor says theres a better drug, but it costs a fortune. The cheaper ones might not work. What do we do?”
“Dont worry, love. Ill find the money. Youre my wifeI wont let you down. Tommy misses you. We both do. We need you home.”
The warmth in her chest was the only thing keeping her afloat.
She remembered her mothers untouched savings. Desperation clawed at her.
“Mum, I need money for this drug. It could save me. Could you lend it to us? Well pay you back.”
“Lend? What mother lends to her own child? Id give it if I could. But lets be honestyour chances arent good. I spoke to your doctor. What if we spend everything and it fails?”
Emilys voice turned icy. “Never mind.”
When her mother left, Emily finally let the tears fall. This was her own flesh and blood.
“Love,” James burst in days later, breathless. “Ive got the money! My parentsthey sold their cottage. They insisted. They believe in you.”
Emilys heart ached. These people, near-strangers once, had given everything.
The treatment began. Then, a cruel twistEmily worsened.
Her mother sat at her bedside, lips pursed. “Listen, darling. The treatment isnt working. Ive done my research. The doctors wont admit it, but times running out.”
She leaned in. “When youre gone, James gets the flateven though your grandmothers money bought most of it. Thats not right. Jakes your blood. He could use that flat. Why not sign it over to him now? Avoid complications.”
Emily stared, stunned. Was this her mother? The woman whod raised her?
“Blood?” she whispered. “Where were you when I needed help? You clung to your interest. Claire sunbathed in Spain. But Jakeoh, Jake deserves my home?”
She shook her head. “James parents sold their cottage for me. Thats family. Get out.”
Her mother left in a huff. What had she said wrong?
Months later, Emily recovered. The drug had worked. James wept with relief.
She signed the flat over to himcutting off any future claims. Her mother was livid.
“Fine. A stranger means more than your own flesh and blood! Claire will be devastated!”
Emily didnt care. She was alive. And that was everything.
