Chapter 62: A flicker of hope

Roses pov

Evening came swiftly, wrapping the house in a soft quietness that felt heavier than usual. The air smelled like warm soup and the lavender candles I had lit earlier to help Mom relax. I had just finished tidying up the teacup I had made for my mother inlaw when the doorbell rang. A sharp chime, that was too sharp making my heart jump a little.

I wiped my hands quickly on my jeans and hurried toward the door. When I opened it, relief washed over me. "it was Dr Smith... thank God"

She stood there in her beige coat, hair slightly frizzy, dark circles sitting under her eyes like smudges of exhaustion, but she still managed a soft smile.

"Good evening Mrs halloran, I came as fast as I could"

"I'm sorry" I blurted out immediately. “I didn’t mean to bother you so late. I really appreciate you coming. Thank you so, so much.”

She raised a tired hand.

“Please. You don’t have to apologize. Let’s see how she’s doing.” I stepped aside, letting her in. She smelled faintly of peppermint and hospital disinfectant, comforting and clinical at the same time.

I guided her to Mom’s room. Before entering, she turned to me. “Do you have her medical records? Anything from the hospital, previous tests, medications… all of it.” I nodded quickly.

“Yes—yes, everything is here,” I said, handing her the folder I had kept ready.

She took it, skimmed through the pages as she walked into the bedroom, and gently closed the door behind her. I remained outside, standing in the hallway like a nervous shadow. I could hear their voices, but only muffled sounds, no actual words. My hands wouldn’t stop twisting together, my stomach tightening every few seconds.

What if Dr. Smith told her something even worse?

What if the hospital missed something dangerous?

What if… what if… I shook my head to stop the spiral. After what felt like forever but could only have been thirty minutes the door finally opened.

Dr. Smith stepped out slowly, closing the door behind her with care, I immediately rushed to her.

“Is she okay? Did something happen? Did... ”

She raised a hand to calm me.

“Rose… I need you to listen carefully.”

My heart hammered, she took a breath.

“There are inconsistencies in her medical history.”

My brain froze. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not saying she isn’t ill. She is in pain, and yes, some symptoms match breast cancer but other parts… don’t fit at all.” I blinked rapidly.

“So… so what are you saying?”

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully.

“Don’t take this as a diagnosis. Don’t get too excited or assume anything, But… she might not actually have breast cancer. I strongly recommend further testing, Full scans, Bloodwork, Imaging, you know the whole panel.” The hallway suddenly felt colder. I stared at her, mouth slowly falling open.

“You’re saying, she might have been misdiagnosed?” “Possibly.”

My hand flew to my mouth. Tears instantly filled my eyes. I didn’t know whether to cry, laugh, fall on my knees, or scream.

I lunged forward and hugged her tightly.

“Thank you... thank you, Dr. Smith. Even if it turns out to be cancer, I won’t blame you. I won’t accuse you of anything. I’m just grateful that you’re helping us, Truly.”

She stood frozen for a second, then patted my back softly. “Let’s just get her re-tested. That’s what matters now.” When we pulled apart, she started gathering her things. I took my phone out.

“Please… give me your bank account or PayPal, I insist.” She shook her head quickly.

“Rose, no, I didn’t come here for money.”

“Please,” I said, stepping closer. “You coming here means a lot. If you refuse, I’ll be offended and it will hurt my feelings.”

She stared at me, I stared back, stubborn.

Finally, she sighed. “…Fine. If it means that much to you.” She gave me her details. I immediately sent her a good amount, more than she expected. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she nearly jumped.

“Rose! This is, this is too much!”

“It’s exactly right,” I said gently. “Thank you.”

She shook her head in disbelief and then smiled softly.

“Call me after the re-tests, No matter the time.”

“I will.”

And she left.

When the door clicked shut behind her, I inhaled deeply and hurried back into Mom’s room. She was lying on the bed, her hands folded neatly over the blanket, watching me with soft eyes.

I went to the jug of water next to her bedside and poured a glass quietly.

When I handed it to her, she took it, sipped slowly, then looked at me like she already knew what was coming. “You want to say something,” she said gently. I swallowed.

“Mom… why don’t we go tomorrow for an extra test? Tomorrow? ” Her eyes dimmed slightly.

“Rose… I’m tired. I’m tired of hospitals. I hope I never step in one again.”

Tears instantly welled in my eyes. I tried to blink them away but failed. She reached out and held my hand.

“Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll go with you. Alright?”

A shaky breath left my lungs. “Thank you, Mom.”

I tucked her into bed carefully, making sure she was comfortable. She gave me a tired but warm smile.

I walked out slowly, wiping the last of my tears before stepping into the sitting room.

Sean, and Connor were seated, their faces filled with worry. I sat next to Sean and He took my hand immediately. “How is she?” he whispered.

I took a breath. “Dr. Smith… said she suspects Mom doesn’t have cancer.” All their heads shot up.

“What?” Connor said.

“But it’s not confirmed,” I added quickly. “She only noticed discrepancies in the medical records. She wants another full exam to see what’s really wrong. Because something is wrong, she’s in pain. But we can’t afford the wrong diagnosis.”

Everyone stared at me, absorbing every word.

Connor finally sat forward.

“Okay. I’ll take her tomorrow. Sean, go to work. Rose, go to your restaurant. I’ll update you both. Let’s make a WhatsApp group.”

We all agreed immediately. Phones came out, notifications buzzed, and the group, Family Updates, was created. Then my phone vibrated again.

Amanda.

Her message appeared on the screen:

‘Hey love, Anna and I are with Charlie. We’re checking on your mother-in-law. How are Sean, Connor, and you?’

I typed back:

‘We’re okay. Please celebrate Anna’s birthday. And apologize for me, I wish we could have been there.’

Amanda replied with hearts.

I smiled faintly.

Truthfully… Anna wasn’t a bad person. She was just badly influenced by the wrong people in her life. When you get to know her deep down, she is lovely and sweet.

Connor excused himself quietly and went to his room.

Sean looked at me, squeezing my hand softly.

“Thank you, Rose. I don’t know where I would be without you.” I leaned my forehead against his.

“We’re a team.”

He kissed me, soft, slow, grateful.Then he stood.

“Come on,” he said with a gentle smile, “let’s go outside for a quick run. Just to clear our heads.”

I nodded.

We stepped out into the cool evening air, the sky turning a deep indigo. The world felt lighter, not fully safe, not fully okay, but full of the first small spark of hope we hadn’t felt in months.

And together, we began to run.

Not away from chaos, but toward whatever truth tomorrow would bring.