“You’re exhausted, Nora. Stop worrying.”
“Why isn’t anyone else calling either?”
“I told everyone you needed rest.”
“Even Walter?”
“Especially Walter. You need to recover.”
Stop exhausting yourself.
Chemotherapy left me too weak to argue.
I’ll visit Dad when I’m better, I promised myself.
***
Six weeks later, Dr. Harris smiled.
“Nora, your scans show no evidence of active disease.”
“Does that mean I’m cured?”
You need to recover.
“You’ll still need monitoring, but this is wonderful news.”
I cried.
After fourteen months, I could finally imagine a future.
I called Dad first.
Voicemail.
I’ll visit Dad when I’m better.
Then Mom.
“My scans are clear! Can you and Dad come to the bell ceremony Friday?”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
I shared the news in our family group chat.
Paige: I’ll film you ringing the bell! ❤️
Dean: And I’ll drive you home afterward!
No evidence of active disease.
***
I bought my first beautiful dress in over a year.
On Friday I stood beside the hospital bell and checking my phone.
“Excited?” Sarah, my nurse, asked.
“Terrified.”
“Of ringing a bell?”
My scans are clear!
“Of finally believing I’m going to live.”
She smiled. “Your family’s coming?”
“All of them.”
***
At 11:45, Mom’s text arrived.
Mom: Paige needs help with the kids. Sorry. See you later.
I’m going to live.
