Emily sat in the sterile hospital room, gripping the armrest of the chair as she watched Dr. Ray sift through Heather's medical reports. Her heart pounded in her chest, the air in the room feeling too thick to breathe. She glanced over at her mother, who sat quietly, her face pale but calm, as if she had already resigned herself to whatever news was coming.
Dr. Ray finally looked up, his expression sombre but professional. "Heather, you should've come in sooner."
Emily felt her throat tighten, the sting of regret swelling inside her.
"Wouldn't chemo help?" Emily asked, her voice trembling with desperation. She needed something—anything—to cling to.
Dr. Ray gave her a small, sympathetic smile, but the look in his eyes told Emily more than she wanted to hear. "I'm afraid she's way beyond chemo at this point."
