Percy POV
"PERCY, PERCY, I want that doll," Estelle chirped excitedly.
I looked down at the little girl who was holding my hand. I couldn't help but smile at my baby sister. She was only four years old.
"Stella, don't you have enough dolls?" I asked.
I picked her up into my arms and gave her a gentle squeeze. Estelle giggled softly before giving me her puppy eyes. I was already certain that I was going to buy whatever doll she was asking for. I just can't deny my little sister's requests.
I have no problem saying no to Tyson, but I struggle with Estelle. She was such a little kid, and I wanted her to stay that way for as long as possible. My younger brother grew up so quickly, so I wanted Estelle to be a kid for as long as possible.
"PLEEAASEEE," Estelle whined.
She wrapped her little hands around my neck. I chuckled while walking towards the toy section of Walmart. A baby doll was on display.
"Do you want the baby boy or girl?" I asked.
Estelle clambered out of my grasp and picked out a doll for herself. She smiled brightly before showing me her choice. She picked a baby boy doll wearing a blue onesie. I had to admit that it was cute.
Stella's big brown eyes sparkled as she gazed at her new toy. I smiled at my little sister. Yup, she is a princess in my eyes. I can't ever say no to her.
"All right, but you owe me, Stella."
"Okay," Stella agreed. "I'll convince Aunt Hestia to make blue cookies for you later."
I laughed while taking her hand again. I dropped the toy into the cart before moving along. Hestia sent me to do the grocery shopping today. She had to take Tyson to the hospital for a general checkup. Since I get squeezy around needles, I decided to dodge the bullet.
Stella and I finished shopping quickly. However, we got stalled at the bakery. Tyson loves cupcakes, so I decided to pick some up. He'd appreciate the dessert after his doctor's appointment.
Besides, I needed some more snacks as well.
I work at a restaurant nearby. It's owned by one of my friends' parents. However, when I'm not working, I try to finish my book.
My book is already finished, but I'm on my fourth round of editing. The truth is that I'm having trouble getting a publisher to pick it up. I love writing and creating stories, but no publisher wants to give me a chance.
First of all, I'm young, and I didn't go to college. That's not exactly the ideal status that a published author should have. Secondly, this is my first book, so no publisher is confident in my abilities. Third, they just aren't giving me a chance.
I'm not quitting though.
I have faith in my story. It shares a powerful message through a playful story. The public deserved to read my novel.
Anyway, when I'm writing, I tend to eat.
It's not the healthiest of lifestyles, but I balance my diet with exercise. That's how I justify eating fast food, chips, and cupcakes every week.
"All right, Stella. Can you tell the baker which cupcakes we want?" I asked.
I could've done it. However, Hestia and I are trying to get Stella to communicate more in public. She's gonna pre-school this year, so she needs to lose some of her shyness.
Estelle was explaining our choice to the baker when I received a phone call.
"Hey, Hestia. Are you guys back already? Stell and are still at Walmart," I started right after I answered the call.
"Percy, um, uh-"
The smile melted off my face. I could hear the tension in her voice. She sounded like someone who is about to cry.
"Aunt Hestia, is everything okay?" I asked.
"No, Percy. Nothing's all right," Hestia huffed.
"Wait, what's wrong? Is Tyson okay?" I rushed in my words. I couldn't help but panic as my grip tightened around Stella's hand. We left the bakery before Hestia even answered.
"NO. TYSON'S SICK," Hestia cried quietly. "Just come to the hospital as soon as you can. Tyson and I will be waiting."
My heart sank into my stomach. Even Estelle noticed my change in mood, so she followed my actions without complaining. My little brother is sick. The worst thoughts started bouncing around my mind.
I shook my head as Stella and I rushed towards my car.
"I'm on my way, Hestia. Tell Tyson that I'm coming," I whispered.
***
I carried a Stella in my arms as I rushed towards the doctor's office. Tyson usually had his appointments at a pediatric clinic. However, Hestia told me to come to the main hospital, specifically the oncology department.
Just that word sent shivers through my spine.
I rushed into Dr. Apollo's office where Hestia and Tyson were waiting. The 12-year-old immediately ran towards me.
Even though he was a young kid, he was a big kid. Tyson wasn't taller than me (he's only 12), but he's very big and wide for his age. Tyson engulfed me and Stella into a hug. His plush body was shaking with fear.
"Hey, buddy. It's okay. You're gonna be fine," I whispered.
"I'm scared," Tyson whimpered.
Hestia took Estelle from me so that I could properly support Tyson. He was still a kid; he couldn't have cancer.
But, based on Dr. Apollo's facial expressions, the news wasn't good.
Finally, Tyson released me and I sat down in front of Dr. Apollo. Hestia took the other seat while Estelle and Tyson sat on the chairs near the side of the room. Since this was a pediatric office, there were toys and books in the corner.
Estelle started playing with blocks. She was so innocent and pure; she had no clue what was happening. Tyson knew what was happening, but he didn't want to. That's why he also went to play with the toys rather than listen to the adults.
I didn't blame him since Tyson is only twelve.
"Okay, Percy. As you probably guessed, I don't have good news," Dr. Apollo started. "Your brother is diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia."
"It's a form of cancer impacting the lymphatic and immune systems. This explains all of his recent symptoms including weight loss, pale skin, fatigue, etc."
"I noticed the symptoms, but I thought it was just a fever," I commented glumly.
"Well, it was good that you came into the hospital rather than waiting. Hestia told me that it was your idea to make an appointment."
"Yeah."
I didn't feel any better. Sure, I just sped up the diagnosis. Whether we waited or not wouldn't have made a difference. Tyson has cancer either way.
We sat in silence as the news sunk in.
Hestia was crying softly, and I gently took her hand. She rubbed mine just like how my mom used to do. Of course, it's been years since I felt Sally Jackson's warmth.
"So, doctor, what do we do next?" Hestia asked for both of us.
"Acute leukemias can grow quickly, so they need to be treated right away. We'll start Tyson on a regimen of chemotherapy. It'll make him sicker, but it's the best course of treatment for this type of cancer."
"He's going to be so scared," I whispered.
"This will be scary for all of you. Not just him," he explained.
I turned around and looked at my siblings. They were both playing with and building stuff with legos. It was so innocent, yet darkness loomed around them.
Tyson has cancer, and we'd need to start the treatment right away.
I wanted to cry, but I wasn't going to. I had to be strong for them and Hestia. She was our legal guardian, and it was time for me to act more like an adult.
I had to make sure that my family would survive. I can't lose any more people whom I love. I need them (my brother) to stay in my life.
Dr. Apollo continued to explain Tyson's diagnosis and treatment. However, I lost my concentration. It was all too much, and I needed time to digest everything. Right now, I could only hope that Tyson would get this.
He will get through this. He has to.
***
We arrived at the house a few hours later. Dr. Apollo was a great physician. He took a lot of time to explain and make us understand everything.
He even sat down with Tyson to explain the next few months.
Tyson would need to stay more at home now, which he didn't complain about. I suggested that he could play video games and eat more ice cream just to cheer him up. I was trying to remain as optimistic as possible.
At least, in front of my brother and sister.
His first round of chemo would start next Wednesday. Of course, I will be joining him for the first treatment. He wasn't going to be alone.
After dinner, I put Tyson and Estelle to bed.
Hestia needed a moment to digest everything, so I gave it to her.
We live in a small apartment. Hestia works from home, so she's fine to stay with Tyson and Estelle. She's a guidance counselor for an online public school. The pay is what you would expect a public teacher to make. Not that much.
We make just enough money to live. However, with Tyson's cancer, I knew that I had to get a better job.
I had to make more money to support our household.
"Percy, how are you feeling with all this?" Hestia asked softly. We were sitting at the dining table alone. She gently squeezed my arm.
"I don't know. I'm scared."
"I know. This is very hard. Tyson is such a sweet boy. It sucks that the good people in this world are the ones that receive problems like this."
"Mom always said that good people can handle the problems. That's why they're are allocated the problems." I smiled as I thought of my mother.
"We're going to get through this, Percy," Hestia affirmed. Her eyes glowed warmly as she soothed me.
"Tyson's insurance doesn't cover all the costs. I know that this is gonna be a huge financial constant. I'll have to take a better job," I expressed firmly.
"What about your writing?"
"I'll still have my novel, but right now, Tyson and his treatment are more important. We need to focus on that," I said. "I'll apply for a new job starting tomorrow."
"And, I'll try to get a raise or something."
I nodded with a reassuring smile. I rubbed my fingers while Hestia continued to massage my arm. She always did that as a way of comforting us. Hestia was my aunt on my dad's side. After my mom and Paul passed away, Hestia took us in.
Hestia split away from her side of the family for us. I hate my father, so she decided that she hates him as well. That's what family is about, she said.
And, I was so grateful to her.
After a few minutes, I decided to go to bed. I was exhausted, and I need a break from all the emotions. On the way, I passed Estelle and Hestia's room. I kissed her on the forehead before heading towards Tyson's bedroom.
Tyson was already sleeping as well. He was shivering, so I wrapped him in another blanket. I brushed his hair while gazing at my brother's face.
He will get through this. Tyson is strong, and I'm going to help our family in any way possible.
The first step is to get a new job.