She Said It Hurt for Weeks. We Thought She Was Exaggerating. We Were Wrong

Never in mine.

The truth I wasn’t ready for

They explained it slowly, gently—mkelkhlakheras if soft words could make it easier.

The scans showed a large growth pressing against her organs. That’s why she couldn’t eat. Why she was dizzy. Why she was in pain.

It hadn’t appeared overnight.

It had been growing.

While we were living our normal lives.
While I was trusting that everything was fine.
While my daughter was trying to be brave and endure something no child should have to carry.

“How long?” I asked.

The doctor hesitated.

“Months… possibly longer.”

Months.