A Journey Through Love and Loss

Surgery

Avery's POV

The next morning arrived quickly, and with it came the nerves that had been lying dormant. I had been fasting for several hours, preparing for the pre-surgery tests.

Dr. Michaels, my lead oncologist, was in my room, checking my vitals and ensuring everything was in order. Only two hours remained until the surgery.

Tyler and Tyrone were quietly watching a show in the mini living room of my hospital room, their presence a silent source of comfort.

I lay still, allowing the doctors and nurses to do their work. They were attaching various monitors and checking my IV lines. Dr. Michaels was thorough, his experienced hands moving with practiced ease.

"Avery, your body is responding well to the preparations," Dr. Michaels said, looking at me with a reassuring smile. "Are you ready for the surgery?"

I glanced over at Tyler and Tyrone. They both smiled at me, Tyler's eyes filled with unwavering support, and Tyrone's innocence a reminder of why I had to be strong.

Taking a deep breath, I turned back to Dr. Michaels. "I'm nervous, but yes, I'm ready."

"Good," Dr. Michaels replied. "The surgery is scheduled for 10:00 AM. The nurses will come to get you at 9:30 AM."

I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "Thank you, Dr. Michaels."

"Tyler, I'll see you after the surgery." Dr. Michaels waved at him. Tyler just nodded and smiled. With a final check of my charts, Dr. Michaels and the nurses left the room.

Tyler and Tyrone immediately came over to my bedside.

"Mommy, are you okay?" Tyrone asked, his small hand reaching out to touch mine.

I smiled, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. "Yes, baby. Mommy's going to be fine."

Tyler took my other hand, squeezing it gently. "You're strong, Avery. We believe in you. We'll be right here waiting for you when you wake up."

I took a deep breath, absorbing their strength and love. "Thank you, Tyler. Thank you, Tyrone. I love you both so much."

Tyrone climbed onto the bed beside me, his small body nestling against mine. Tyler sat on the edge, his hand never leaving mine. We sat there together, drawing strength from each other as we waited for the time to come.

The minutes ticked by slowly, each second bringing me closer to the moment I had been dreading and hoping for.

I closed my eyes, feeling the steady rhythm of Tyler's heartbeat through our joined hands and the gentle rise and fall of Tyrone's breathing against my side.

Hindi ko alam pero parang ayaw ko na lang lumabas ng kwartong 'to. Hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko.

A soft knock on the door broke the silence. The nurses had returned, their presence signaling that it was time. Tyler helped me sit up, his hands gentle but firm. Tyrone held into my arm, his face serious and brave.

"We'll see you soon, Avery," Tyler said, his voice steady despite the worry in his eyes.

I kissed Tyrone's forehead and then Tyler's lips. "I want your face to be the first thing I see when I open my eyes after the surgery." I whispered, trying to memorize their faces, their love, their strength.

Tyler squeezed my hand. "Okay I will. I love you so much, Avery." I could see the sincerity in his eyes.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt like I didn't want to leave that room and just wanted to keep looking at Tyler and Tyrone's faces, but I couldn't. "I love you too, Tyler. I really do."