The early morning sunlight streamed through the blinds, painting streaks of gold across Serena Winters' cluttered bedroom. She sat cross-legged on her bed, her hands gripping her phone as if it were a lifeline. Today was supposed to be about her future—A-level results day. But all she could think about was the email waiting in her inbox.
Her twin brothers, Josh and Ethan, were already downstairs, making a racket in the kitchen. Serena could hear their voices through the thin walls, arguing about who got the last bagel. Their loudness used to annoy her, but lately, she found it comforting. It grounded her, reminded her that life went on, even when it felt like hers was falling apart.
Two weeks ago, she'd gone in for a routine follow-up at the hospital. She had been feeling off—tired, breathless, and achy in ways that didn't make sense for an eighteen-year-old. Tests were taken, but her doctor had assured her it was probably just stress from exams. Now, the results were here.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Sophie Green, her best friend since forever.
Sophie: YOU UP?! RESULTS TIME, BABE! Meet us at the school gates at 10! Don't be late!!!
Serena smiled faintly. Sophie's enthusiasm was impossible to resist, even on a day like this.
She stood up slowly, her legs feeling heavier than usual. Her hands trembled as she opened her laptop, logged into the hospital portal, and stared at the message waiting for her.
Subject: Test Results
Sender: Dr. Patel
Her heart hammered as she clicked it open. Words like terminal, incurable, and prognosis blurred together. Her brain latched onto one phrase: "Approximately 18 months."
The room tilted, and Serena sank back onto the bed, clutching the blanket for stability. This couldn't be real. She was eighteen. She had plans, dreams. She wasn't ready for this.
A knock at her door jolted her.
"Serena, you coming?" Josh's voice was muffled but insistent.
"Yeah, just a minute," she called, hastily closing the laptop and brushing away the tears that had started to fall.
Downstairs, the smell of burnt toast filled the air. Ethan was leaning against the counter, scrolling on his phone, while Josh was buttering a slightly charred piece of bread. Both of them looked up when Serena entered.
"You okay?" Josh asked, narrowing his eyes. He always had a way of sensing when something was wrong.
"Fine," Serena said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just nervous about the results."
"Don't be," Ethan said, grinning. "You're gonna crush it. We all know you're the genius of the family."
"Yeah, right," Serena replied, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl. "I'm just hoping I didn't fail chemistry."
Josh snorted. "If you failed, then the rest of us are doomed."
Their lighthearted banter helped distract Serena as they got ready to head out. By the time they reached the school, Sophie and Emma were already waiting by the gates.
"Finally!" Sophie exclaimed, throwing her arms around Serena. Her blonde curls bounced as she pulled back, scrutinizing her friend. "You look pale. Are you eating enough?"
Serena laughed, brushing her off. "I'm fine, Sophie. Just nervous."
Emma stepped forward, her quiet presence a calming contrast to Sophie's energy. "Whatever happens, we've got this," she said softly, her brown eyes warm with encouragement.
Serena nodded, but the knot in her stomach tightened. It wasn't just about the A-level results. It was about everything—her future, her health, her life.
Inside the school hall, the tension was palpable. Students clutched envelopes with trembling hands, some crying with joy, others with disappointment.
Sophie squealed as she opened hers. "A* in Biology! Yes!"
Emma smiled shyly. "I got into Durham."
Josh and Ethan whooped, high-fiving each other as they compared their results. Serena's envelope felt like it weighed a ton. She tore it open, her hands shaking slightly.
Two A*s and an A. She'd done it.
"See? I told you!" Ethan crowed, pulling her into a bear hug.
Serena smiled, but the joy didn't sink in. The words from the email echoed in her mind. Eighteen months.
Sophie frowned, noticing Serena's subdued reaction. "Hey, what's wrong? You should be jumping up and down right now."
"I'm fine," Serena lied. "Just processing."
Sophie didn't look convinced, but before she could press further, the boys dragged Serena into another round of celebrations. For a moment, Serena let herself get swept up in the excitement, laughing and cheering with her friends.
But deep down, she knew her life had just changed forever. And she wasn't sure how to tell them.