Ashley pulled her mother close, holding her as she sobbed. “You’re not alone, Mom. We’ll face this together,” she said, brushing back Tula’s hair. “Let’s wait for the results first. One step at a time. Please. Don’t give up on me just yet.” Her words softened the panic in Tula’s eyes.
Tula exhaled slowly, still clinging to Ashley’s hand. Her daughter’s steady voice had pierced through the fear, anchoring her. For the first time since the pain began, she felt something close to ease. Maybe it wasn’t cancer. Maybe it was something small—an ulcer, or gastroenteritis. Nothing fatal. Nothing final.