Miri shrugged. “Such is life.”
“When do your results come back?” I took a drink of the coffee, looked at the cup, and nodded my approval. “This is good.”
Miri looked at me smugly, as if I was a fool to doubt her.
“This morning. The nurse said a doctor would be by before they started their rounds.”
“You haven’t met with a doctor yet?” I was confused. Who had she been seeing since they’d admitted her?
“No, just the assistants or whatever they’re called. Medical assistant, I think?”
I didn’t know whether to agree or not, so I filled her in on my elevator trip from the day before and how I’d been tempted to ask the doctor I’d ridden up with if any of the romantic stuff inGrey’s Anatomywas accurate but had held my tongue.
“I’m sure it’s fictionalized,” she said.
“Really? You don’t think doctors and nurses get heated or overly emotional and need a release?”
Miri shook her head. “You need to read a book.”
“I read last night, thank you very much. Speaking of which, Cutter’s attitude gave me whiplash.”
She nodded and sighed heavily. “He has a girlfriend and her parents are strict, which I appreciate. I’m trying to give him leeway, but then I think about me and ...”
I reached for her hand and held it. “Kids have sex, Miri. You can’t stop them. You can just teach them about protection and the consequences of the action. Educate him.”
Miri scoffed. “Easier said than done. I might talk to his coach. I don’t know. Cutter needs a male role model.”
“I’ll have Brendan talk to him. They seem to get along.”
There was a knock on the door, and Croc shoes squeaked on the linoleum. When the curtain moved and the doctor came into view, I was surprised to see the same one from the elevator ride.
“Hello, Miriam,” he said as he looked at her chart and then to her, and finally to me. “I’m Dr. Niall Frederick.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Miri said as they shook hands.
“I’m Antonia,” I said and shook his hand as well.
“Nice to see you again,” he said.
“Again?” Miri asked.
I motioned toward him. “Elevator ride, yesterday.”
Miri mouthed “Oh,” and then her eyes widened. Let’s just say I was happy I didn’t embarrass myself and ask him the inappropriate questions.
“Is now a good time to talk?” he asked, looking at Miri. She nodded, and he pulled a chair from the next space over. He sat, set his file on the table near Miri’s bed, and crossed his legs. I fully expected him to clasp his hands, but he didn’t.
“We have your results back, Miriam.”
Right away, I knew this wasn’t going to be good. I stood and took her hand in mine.
“Is it cancer?” Miri asked.
Dr. Frederick nodded. “The findings show cancer in multiple parts of your body, including the pancreas, breast, and colon.” He leaned forward slightly. “Based on the imaging and blood work, the cancer originated in your pancreas and has metastasized to your liver, lungs, and breast tissue. Pancreatic cancer is particularly aggressive and often goes undetected until it’s advanced, which explains why you didn’t feel significantly ill until recently.”
Miri’s hand turned cold in mine as he spoke.
“It started in the pancreas?” Miri’s voice was quiet, barely above a whisper, yet it echoed in the sterile hospital room.
