Alex's determination to keep going was admirable, but her body had other plans. A few days later, she woke up in the middle of the night, unable to breathe. Her parents rushed her to the hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU.
The doctors were shocked by Alex's condition. She was severely anemic, and her cancer had progressed to the point where it was affecting her major organs.
"We need to start treatment immediately," one of the doctors said. "But we also need to be realistic about Alex's chances."
Alex's parents were devastated. They had been so focused on supporting Alex, on being strong for her, that they had forgotten to take care of themselves.
As Alex lay in the hospital bed, surrounded by beeping machines and sterile smells, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She had been so focused on keeping her secret, on protecting her loved ones, that she had forgotten to take care of herself.
But now, as she looked around at the people she loved, Alex realized that she had made a mistake. She should have told them the truth, should have let them support her.
"Mom, Dad," Alex said, her voice weak but determined. "I'm sorry. I should have told you."
Her parents looked at her, confused. "Told us what, sweetie?" her mom asked.
Alex took a deep breath. "About the cancer. I didn't want to burden you, but I realize now that I should have told you."
Her parents looked at each other, then back at Alex. "We're here for you, Alex," her dad said. "We always have been."
Alex felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had been carrying this secret for so long, and it felt good to finally share it with the people she loved.
As the days went by, Alex's condition stabilized, and she began to receive treatment. Her loved ones surrounded her, supporting her and caring for her.
And Alex finally felt at peace, knowing that she had made the right decision in sharing her secret.