“You’re going to have the procedure,” Kaden says softly.
Her hand flies to her mouth as tears flood her eyes. She shakes her head slowly, like she doesn’t quite trust what she’s hearing.
I nod, smiling through the blur in my own vision.
And then she breaks.
A sob rips from her chest as she throws herself into Mercs’ arms. He catches her immediately, wrapping himself around her and swaying gently. “It’s happening, booger-butt. We’re gonna fix you.”
I swipe a tear from beneath my eye as Gran reaches for my hand, squeezing it tightly. I glance at her, and she’s crying too, though her smile is radiant.
Suddenly, Kiera pulls back from Mercs, her breathing uneven as she looks at me again. “Effa, I… I don’t even know what to say.”
I step forward, cupping her shoulders firmly. “We’re sisters. I love you, Kiera.”
Her bottom lip trembles before she launches herself at me. I hold her close, feeling just how fragile she is beneath my hands, how small she feels despite her bright spirit. But even in her frailty, there’s warmth, and there’s strength.
I can already picture her months from now—hair growing back thicker, cheeks flushed with health, a little more weight on her frame, a little more spark in her eyes—a whole new version of Kiera, and I can’t wait to meet her.
“I love you too, Eff,” she whispers. “What would we do without you?”
I laugh softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. “You’ll never have to find out. Now come on… let’s start booking appointments.”
Gran beams at me as Mercs releases a long, shaky breath, like he’s been holding it for months. We all settle back onto the sofa together, leaning over the coffee table as we organize the paperwork and make the call to Kiera’s specialist for the initial consult.
A consultation that will mark the beginning of her long road ahead.
A journey toward healing.
A journey toward strength.
A journey toward a long, beautiful, cancer-free life.
And as we sit there together, hopeful, united, and more determined than ever, I know without a doubt…
Thisisgoing to be a great day.
Chapter Twelve
EFFA
Eight Days Later
After we discussed Kiera’s treatment as a family, we secured an early appointment with her specialist in Pittsburgh the very next day and made the hour-long drive up to see him and his team. Needless to say, the experience was eye-opening.
Mercs and Kiera were walked through every step of the transplant process. While Mercs would come through the process relatively unscathed, Kiera’s preparation would not be so simple, and certainly not without risk.
Once she goes in for the transplant, she’ll remain in the hospital for weeks until it’s deemed safe to release her. Even after discharge, she’ll need to stay in Pittsburgh so doctors can monitor her daily, checking platelet counts and ensuring her body accepts the new stem cells. If her levels lag, she may require platelet transfusions. There’s so much to consider, and so much to prepare for.
But the risks will be worth it.
Because in the end…
Shewillbe better.
Shewillbe cured.
And Mercs will have his sister back at full strength, and that’s all any of us want.
