Four long years have passed since Julia Soler Gavira and Pedri González parted ways in a messy breakup. Julia has since been travelling the world and pursuing her graduate studies in the United States. But now, she's returning to Barcelona for a spe...
Two months later, Julia found herself sitting in the identical room again. It was the same building, the same floor, the same reason for being there, but this time, she clung to different expectations. This time, her mind was finding any reason to console her with hope and repeating the mantra that everything would be alright. She squeezed her parents' hands, waiting in suspense for Dr Alvarez to arrive.
Minutes later, he walked in. He cleared his throat before speaking, "So the follow-up showed that Julia is not responding to chemo. I'm sorry... we don't see any improvements, Julia". The room became silent. Julia lifted her head, connecting her eyes with the doctor. She had suspected this all along. Deep down, she had known. However, to hear him tell her she had not been improving was no less frightening. Julia felt her heart beat race as all the information was being thrown at her. She was devastated.
"Well, I guess the first time's not a charm. What do we do now?" she asked.
"I would suggest getting radiation." he responded.
"When do we start?" Julia inquired.
"We need to start as soon as you are able. Mr and Mrs Gavira could I talk to Julia alone for a second?"
Once they had left, Dr Alvarez addressed Julia directly, his tone serious, "Julia I need you to stop pretending you are okay when everyone knows you aren't."
"Easy for you to say," she thought bitterly. He wasn't the one staring down at the prospect of his life slipping away. Yet she knew, logically, that he was only doing his job. What a job he has, she thought again. Toconstantly be delivering the horrible news that someone has cancer and has a likeness of dying. She let out a big sigh and nodded her head.
"I... I'm going to die, aren't I?" she whispered.
"No, you still have a chance with another treatment."
"You have to say that, though..." Julia sniffled, knowing no sane person would be able to look her in the eyes and say she might die.
"I'm truly sorry," he said with empathy. There was a knock on the door and the nurse rushed in with a paper in her hand. She gave it to Dr Alvarez and he looked at it for a while and looked back at her.
"Let me guess, more bad news," Julia said, resigned.
"Unfortunately yes. You have a 30% chance of living, dear. But we will still keep looking for solutions. Your battle is not over yet." The doctor reassured her.
"What if I don't, when will I die?"
"I- Judging by the spreading of the tumour cells, I believe you have about 3 months," he replied gently.
Julia walked out of the hospital room and sat on one of the waiting chairs. Her parents sat by her side, their hands clasped tightly together. Julia couldn't bear to see the worry etched on their faces any longer. "Mom, Dad," she began, her voice trembling. "I'll be okay here for a little while. You should go home and get some rest."
Her mother's eyes filled with tears as she protested, "But we want to be here with you, sweetheart."
Julia managed a weak smile. "I'll be fine. You both need to take care of yourselves too. I love you."
She looked at her phone and she got a text from Pedri.
[Pedri] Amor
[Pedri] Why aren't you answering your calls?
[Pedri] How did the check-up go?
"Hola, hermosa. How are you feeling? What did the doctor say?" Pedri asked.
"I feel good. The visit went great. How are you and how is the US tour?" Julia replied, knowing that he didn't need the added worry while he was on tour.
"It is lovely but lonely without you. I can't wait to get home to you."
"Me too- Pedri my manager is calling me, I will talk to you later."
Julia stuffed her phone back into her pocket as she stared out at the cars, the people and the buildings. She was now sitting in her car, which had tinted windows installed. There was no point holding back her tears anymore. There was nothing that could possibly motivate her. She was enraged; she hit the steering wheel as she cried out. Just four years ago she was living happily with her family and the guy she loved.
"How do I even tell people about this?" She whispered to herself, her gaze fixed straight ahead. Julia took a deep breath and composed herself before starting the car. She drove home in silence, feeling the weight of her diagnosis heavy on her shoulders.
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