I nodded and wiped my fallen tears. “I want to take her to Boston. It’s where I live, and the hospital there—”
“I remember,” he said. “There isn’t a doubt it’s the best in the world. I had my staff send her records to my colleague there for a second opinion, per your earlier request. As soon as she calls, I’ll let you know.”
“Oh. Okay, thank you.” His statement caught me off guard.
“You’re welcome.”
“She’s my life,” I told him before he could walk away. “We’ve been friends since we were three, so almost our entire lives.”
“She’s lucky to have you.”
I shook my head. “You don’t get it. I’m lucky to have her, and I can’t lose her. Miri’s my constant. I can’t tell you the last time I bought something, like shoes or a suit, that she didn’t approve of. Everything I do has her stamp of approval.”
“I do understand and know this is going to be a challenging hill to climb. She or you should probably call her family.”
“Wait, why? Can’t she go home?”
He looked over his shoulder. “The chemotherapy protocol we’re recommending is extremely aggressive. It will compromise her immune system significantly, and we need to monitor her closely.”
“She can’t stay here!” I snapped. “Miri has two kids. They need her.”
I need her.
“I understand. Once we see how she responds and establish her baseline, she can receive treatments as an outpatient and be home with her children between sessions.”
“How long would she need to stay here?” I asked.
“Initially, a week to ten days. Then treatments every two weeks as an outpatient, assuming no complications.”
“Right. I’m sorry for snapping. I’m frustrated and—”
“I get it. Go be with your friend,” he said. “As soon as I hear from my colleague, I’ll be in to talk with Miriam.”
“Thanks.”
Dr. Frederick nodded and continued down the hall. I supposed it was best he didn’t tell me what the fifth floor was for when I asked. But Miri had to have known.
I went into her room without knocking. She was on her side, staring out the window.
“Did you know?”
“What?” she asked as she looked at me.
“Did you know you were sick?”
She shook her head and closed her eyes.
“Cutter said you hadn’t been feeling good and were tired a lot. Did you know you were sick, Miriam?” I hadn’t meant to raise my voice, but the anger, hurt, and fear I felt came out in a rush.
“I didn’t know, but I thought something was wrong.”
“Why didn’t you go to the doctor sooner?” I asked as I sat down by her bed. I reached for her hand and held it tightly in mine.
“I had the appointment scheduled and didn’t think ...” She trailed off. “I didn’t know I had a lump in my breast,” Miri said quietly. “I checked all the time and didn’t know.”
“It’s not your fault. This isn’t something you could have prevented or caught earlier,” I said, nodding. “We’ll figure it out. We need to talk about your treatment. Dr. Frederick says it’s going to be an aggressive plan, and you’ll likely have to stay in the hospital. I’ll take as much time off as I have to, and my mom is on her way. He also sent your paperwork to Boston for a second opinion. Miri,” I said softly, “we have to tell the kids. This isn’t something we can hide from them.”
Miri nodded as tears filled her eyes.
