Sincerely, Sara

Chapter 3

I walked straight into the hospital, after the long ride that had felt like 500 years. My mom had kept trying to be optimistic and, of course, I forgot my earbuds. So for two hours I had to listen to the crappy radio music and my mother drone on about silly things that I laughed at in pity.

It smelled like overly-sterile things and old people. My heart was going a hundred miles a minute and even though she had been annoying in the car I was glad my mom was here. I grasped her hand and held on for dear life.

From the lobby I was led to an elevator. The nurse escorting us smiled at me widely and happily spoke, "Hey guys, how are you doing?"

I raised my eyebrows at her. Was she really asking me that question? Oh yeah I'm just dandy, having cancer just rocks!

When I said nothing my mom replied for us "We could, of course, be better at the moment. But! We're chugging along" I scoffed at that comment.

The elevator doors opened with a ding, "Follow me sweetheart!" The nurse smiled again. This woman was literally too perky. It was killing my 'just let me be miserable' vibe.

She walked us down a fluorescent lit hallway. I looked into the various hospitals rooms, I saw the people that looked so pale, so miserable, especially under the harsh lights. I didn't want to be like that. I saw a man sitting on the edge of a bed, holding an elderly very sick looking mans hand, wiping his eyes with the one arm he had free and my heart shattered. I felt my nose heat up and tears welled up in my eyes.

My mom squeezed my hand reassuringly and smiled down at me. I saw a little girl with no hair playing with a boy who looked just like her, except a lot healthier. She grabbed the IV pole connected to her arm and chased rafter him down the long hallway shrieking and laughing.

How could she be happy? Did she know what was happening her? I felt horrible for her. Frankly I felt horrible for everybody with cancer. I even felt bad for myself.

The nurse opened a door to a dark room. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I heard a voice from behind me "Hey kid," a thin man with tubes connected to every part of his body touched my arm comfortingly, "You'll do okay, it doesn't seem like it... But it gets a little better." I nodded at him and then the nurse ushered me inside the room.