A sign inscribed with 'Seattle-Tacoma International Airport' welcomes Athena and Carson as they merge off the highway. During the trip, Athena had caught a quick nap. Upon opening her eyes, she spots a woman waving at her and Carson. She looks familiar, but Athena is not sure the woman is who Athena thinks she is.
Carson pulls over, puts the car in park, and helps the woman load her bags inside the vehicle. Athena sits up and yells out in excitement,
"Oh, my goodness! June, is that really you?" June's appearance has changed: when Athena saw her last, June had wavey dirty-blond hair that extended to her mid-back. The June entering the car, has brunette colored hair that extends just past her shoulders. She has a glow to her skin as well. June gives Athena a smile and responds to her sister-in-law.
"It is me silly. Who else would fly into Seattle and get picked up by your fiancé?" She gives Athena a playful wink, making Athena's heart flutter. Seeing her sister-in-law is the surprise Athena needed after her week of misfortune.
Once situated in the car, the trio of young adults heads off to Tacoma. A sense of calm and chatter fills the atmosphere as June peppers Athena with question after question.
"Tell me, how much longer do you have in your program, Athena?"
"I have three quarters left, including the quarter I am currently in. I will be done in the spring. Of course, when I finish my program depends on how manageable my health becomes. The last few months have been, touch and go." Athena turns her eyes to the side of the road. She is trying to keep a positive spirit. June can sense Athena's exhaustion and comforts her.
"Carson mentioned you are experiencing changes in your health. If you are comfortable sharing, I am open to listening."
"Cancer. I was diagnosed with leukemia and start treatment in December. We speculate it is stage three." Athena is direct with her answer. June does not judge Athena's curt response and waits a few seconds before continuing the conversation.
"Why wait another month to start treatment? Was this per your request, Athena, or your oncologist's suggestion?"
Athena is not sure how to respond. She never stopped to think about why her treatments would start in December…especially if the cancer is stage three. Athena shrugs her shoulders and replies in a low voice, "I am not sure. I call my doctor this weekend and see if an earlier appointment is available."
Deep inside her heart, Athena is glad her treatments are starting in month. She has time to process what is going to happen, ensure her academic schedule will not be impacted too harshly, and gather support from her family members. Had she been thrown into the mists of chemotherapy right away her stress levels would be at an all-time high. Plus, her health insurance may or may not cover treatment. Another hurdle Athena needs to cross; navigating her health insurance coverage to ensure her treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, alternative medicine) are covered.
Before long, the care pulls into Luis and Hector's driveway. The two in-laws are waiting on the front porch, unaware that their daughter is joining them for dinner. Carson gets out of the car first, with Athena following his lead. June is on the phone and waves to the others she will get out in a minute.
"Welcome to Friday Fun night!" Hector exclaims as he approaches his son and daughter-in-law with open arms. Athena returns a hug first. Carson gives his dad a half-hug, one arm over Hector's neck.
"Thank you for letting us come early. We had to pick up a surprise for Athena and not sure how traffic would be. You know how horrible traffic can get on a Friday evening." Carson says this with a half-smile. He is buying time for June so she can get out of the car and surprise her dad and father.
"A surprise, what kind of surprise son?" Luis has made his way over and curious on what is going on.
"Why don't you two see for yourselves." Athena says this half-seriously and half-sarcastically. She goes over to car and is about to open the door. June beats Athena to the door and opens it by herself. Luis and Hector look at the car, unsure who is getting out. After closing the door behind her, Luis and Hector's faces both light up. They have not seen their daughter in two years and are shocked by her presence.
"Father, dad, nice to see you both. May I have a hug?" June is happy to be back home and to see her parents. While she enjoys living in New Zealand, the adjustment period has been hard for her. She is learning to navigate a new country, make new friends, and create a schedule so she can visit Seattle more frequently. Had Carson not reached out to her regarding Athena, June would not be here tonight.
"When did you get into town? Where do you plan on staying, love?" Luis asks June as he gives her a bear hug.
"I got in a few hours ago…the two love birds picked me up from the airport on their way to your place. I have not thought about where I am going to stay. We can talk after dinner if you would like." June is giving Hector a hug while saying this.
"You have your options, June. Our place is always open, Athena might open her doors to you, and your brother…well, talk with him." Hector gives Carson a playful nod and wink while saying this.
"I am not sure what that is supposed to mean, dad, but I will take it as a compliment." Carson says.
After hugs have been exchanged, June describes her flight from New Zealand, and the beverages have been taken out of the car, the family moves inside the house. Tonight is bound to full of surprises and fun.