Parents.. with different treatment

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The day Xander was scheduled for surgery felt like an eternity, filled with both anticipation and dread. Valerie had spent the night beside his hospital bed, holding his hand as he slept fitfully, plagued by dreams that twisted in and out of his fragile consciousness. In the quiet hours of the morning, she had taken a moment to watch him, the way the soft light illuminated his pale face, his small frame nestled under the blankets. Every part of her ached for him, wishing she could take away the pain and fear he was facing.

As the sun began to rise, a nurse entered the room with a gentle smile. "Good morning, Xander! Are you ready for today?" she asked, her tone cheerful, though Valerie could see the worry lurking in Xander's eyes.

"I guess," Xander replied, his voice small. "Is it time for the pill?"

"Yes, it is," the nurse said, moving to the bedside with a cup of water in one hand and a small, white pill in the other. "This is the medication that will help you relax before the surgery. It'll make you feel a little sleepy, but you won't feel any pain."

Valerie knelt beside Xander, brushing his hair back from his forehead. "You're going to be brave, right? Just like we talked about. This is an important step toward feeling better."

Xander nodded, though uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "What if I don't wake up, Mom?"

Her heart cracked at the question. "You will wake up, sweetheart. The doctors are the best, and they're going to take great care of you. And I'll be right here waiting for you when you come back."

Taking a deep breath, Xander looked at the pill and the cup of water. "Will it hurt?"

"No, love," the nurse reassured him, gently handing him the pill. "It's just a tiny pill, and then you'll be in a nice, peaceful sleep. You'll wake up feeling better."

Xander stared at the pill for a moment, his small fingers trembling slightly as he took it from the nurse. Valerie could see the conflict on his face—his innate courage battling against the fear that gripped him.

"Okay," he finally said, steeling himself. "I can do this."

Valerie's heart swelled with pride, and she leaned in to kiss his forehead. "That's my brave boy. Just take a sip of the water with it."

Xander did as instructed, swallowing the pill with a small gulp, and Valerie couldn't help but smile as he grimaced slightly at the taste. "See? Not so bad," she said, her voice light. "You did it!"

The nurse chuckled softly. "Great job, Xander! Now we just need to wait a bit for it to take effect. I'll be right back to check on you."

As the nurse stepped out of the room, Xander leaned back against the pillows, a nervous expression washing over his face. Valerie took his hand, her fingers enveloping his tiny ones. "Do you want to talk about something? Maybe a story or a game?"

Xander shook his head, his gaze shifting to the window where the early morning light streamed in. "I just wish I could go home and play with Xavier and Victoria," he said quietly. "I miss them."

Valerie's heart ached at the mention of his siblings. "I know, honey. They miss you too. Once you're feeling better, we can have a big family day, just the three of you. I promise you'll be back playing with them before you know it."

Xander nodded but seemed distant, lost in thoughts that swirled in his mind. Slowly, the medication began to take effect, and Valerie could see his eyelids growing heavy. "Mom, will you stay here?" he murmured, his voice drifting.

"Of course, sweetheart," she whispered, her heart breaking at how small he looked, lying there so vulnerable. "I'm right here."

Within moments, Xander's breathing grew slower and deeper, and she could see the tension leaving his body as sleep overtook him. She stayed close, watching him with tears in her eyes, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her.

Time passed slowly in the quiet room, filled only with the rhythmic beeping of machines and the soft sounds of the hospital. Valerie's mind raced with thoughts of the surgery, the risks, and the uncertain future ahead. But she knew she had to focus on Xander's strength, the courage he had shown despite everything.

After what felt like hours, a team of doctors and nurses entered the room, preparing for the procedure. Dr. Patel was among them, her presence reassuring yet commanding. "Xander is ready for us?" she asked, glancing at Valerie with a gentle smile.

"Yes, he took the medication," Valerie replied, her voice shaking slightly. "He's asleep."

"Perfect. We'll take good care of him," Dr. Patel assured her. "We'll update you as soon as the surgery is over. You'll be able to see him as soon as he's in recovery."

Valerie nodded, trying to maintain her composure, but inside, she felt a storm of fear and uncertainty. She watched as they carefully prepared to wheel Xander away, his small body resting peacefully, a small blanket tucked around him.

"Wait!" Valerie called out suddenly, her voice breaking. "Can I... can I kiss him goodbye?"

The team paused, and Dr. Patel nodded. "Of course. You can say your goodbyes."

Valerie hurried to Xander's side, bending down to kiss his forehead gently. "I love you, Xander," she whispered, her heart aching. "You're going to be okay. I'll be right here when you wake up."

With that, the team wheeled him out of the room, Valerie watching until he disappeared down the corridor. The door closed behind them, and she felt an overwhelming wave of fear crash over her.

As she sank into a chair in the waiting area, she closed her eyes, praying for strength and for Xander's safe return. In that moment of silence, she knew she had to hold onto hope, believing in her son's resilience and the love that would guide them both through the challenges ahead.