After continuously reassuring the twins he was fine and he was encouraged that he would make a full recovery, Daniel watched them head upstairs with their shoulders sagged and heads down to do their homework.
"I'll bet 10% of the time they'll work on homework and the rest they'll be texting their friends," Christine said after they left and she cuddled beside him on the couch. "But they're seniors, so I guess they're allowed to screw around a bit."
Daniel was about to say something when she added, "Next year in college they'll really have to buckle down." She put her head down on her husband's shoulder and closed her eyes. They sat together in stunned silence.
"We'll get through this, Daniel. I know we will," she murmured.
Daniel reached for her hands. His joints were stiff and his lungs were so tight that it was hard to get his words out. He squeezed his eyes shut to block out memories of the look of devastation on his parents' faces when he had to tell them what had happened when he was in college almost 23 years ago. He once again dreaded bringing them more heartbreaking news with his grim diagnosis.
"Christine," he whispered. "I have to take a leave of absence from work and undergo chemotherapy immediately."
Christine squeezed his hand and put her other over her eyes. "I know. I'll be there supporting you all the way. We all will."
After he told her the details of his treatment, they embraced. Daniel felt like crying but he stayed strong and determined for his wife's sake.
YOU ARE READING
An Unforeseen Turn of Events
General FictionA-list actor who thinks he has it all realizes what he has shunned all his life turns out to be his biggest blessing. Ryan Monti is tall, strikingly handsome and one of Hollywood's top actors. He's perfectly content with his life devoted to career a...
