**”Flesh and Blood”**
Lucy whispered, clutching her tea, “Mike, I saw the doctor. It’s bad. If I dont start treatment soon, I wont last long. The operation, the chemo, the medsits all so expensive. Where do we get that kind of money?”
Mike squeezed her hand. “Dont worry, love. Well sort it out. Im here, arent I? Well find a way.”
“I have to tell Mum. Im scared for her heartshell panic. But I cant keep it from her. Shell guess anyway. Best to prepare her.”
Lucy couldnt believe this was happening. Not even forty. A whole life ahead, and now this sickness, creeping in like a shadow.
At least she wasnt alone. Mike was there, and his son Alfie, whod become like her own. No children of her ownher first husband left because of it. There was still Mum, her sister Claire, her nephew Jack. Shed get through this. Theyd help.
Mike had raised Alfie alone. His wife had vanished when Alfie turned two, leaving divorce papers behind. No trace of her since.
Theyd met in Hyde Park. Lucy walking her spaniel, Mike tossing a ball to Alfie. They talked, then kept talking. It was easy with himsafe. Shed married him without hesitation.
First, they lived in her flat, inherited from Gran. Later, they sold it and bought something biggertoo cramped, the three of them. They had plans. Now this.
No point delaying. Lucy brought Mum a Victoria sponge.
“Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. Its cancer. If I dont get treatment Well. Mike and I are figuring out the money.”
“Oh, Lucy, how? You were always so strong, never ill, not like Claire. Always dragging her to hospitals. What a nightmare.”
This was what Lucy feared. The wailing, the drama. Still, better the truth.
“I cant help, darling. Gave all my savings to Claires boy for his new car. Spoiled him rotten. Always wanted one. Youve no children, so I help Claire and him now. Only grandson, you see.”
“Theres my savings account, but I cant touch itlose the interest. Quite a bit, too. Dad told me to keep it there before he passed. Extra pension, passive income.”
“I wasnt asking. Just telling you.”
Mike sold the car. It covered the first round. Lucy had the operation. Now the next stagethe one that decided everything.
“Oh, darling, you look peaky! What do the doctors say? Any hope?”
“Time will tell, Mum. Staying positive. Claire hasnt visitedtoo busy?”
“Shes in Ibiza with her husband. Sends her love, though.”
“Kind of her.”
It stung, her sisters distance. A phone call or two. Thats all.
“Mike, the doctor says theres a better drug. Costs a fortune. The cheap ones might not work. What do we do?”
“Dont fret. Ill find the money. Im your husband, remember? Alfie misses you. We both do.”
Warmth flooded her. How lucky she was.
Then she remembered Mums savings.
“Mum, I need the money. Theres a druggood odds. Could you lend it? Well pay you back.”
“Lend? Dont be daft. Id give it. But lets be honestthe odds arent great. Spoke to your doctor. What if it doesnt work?”
“I see. Never mind.”
When Mum left, Lucy cried. So this was flesh and blood.
“Love, Ive got the money! My parents sold their cottage. Gave it all. Wanted to help beforeI said no. Now they insisted. They believe in you.”
Lucys heart ached. Strangers, really. And yet
Treatment began. Lucy worsened.
“Darling, we need to talk. The treatments not working. Ive read up. However the doctors sugarcoat it times short. They just want your money.”
“Heres the thing. When youre gone, Mike gets the flat. Most of it was yoursGrans old place. He barely added anything.”
“And what? A stranger takes it all? Unfair. Jackyour nephew, real familycould use that flat. Sign it over now. No surprises later.”
Lucy stared. Was this her mother? Raised her, loved her, now waiting for the end?
“Real family? Where were you when I needed help? Worried about your precious interest.”
“Claires sunbathing in Ibiza. Couldnt spare five minutes. But nowwhile Im still breathinglets grab the flat for Jack.”
“Mikes parents sold their home for me. Whos family now? Just go, Mum.”
Mum sighed and left. What had she said wrong?
Slowly, Lucy improved. The drug worked. Mike was over the moon.
Lucy signed the flat to himno lawsuits later. She told Mum.
“Well, thanks, darling. A stranger matters more than blood. Claire will be devastated.”
Lucy didnt care. She was alive. Thats what counted.
