After additional tests, specialists recommended surgery because of the mass’s location.
I barely left Emily’s bedside.
Neither did Margaret.
One evening, she approached me while Emily slept.
“Sarah, I’m not asking for forgiveness. I should have told you immediately. I just want my granddaughter to live.”
I swallowed my tears.
“I can’t forget what you hid from us. But I know you love her.”
On surgery day, James held my hand while Margaret clutched Emily’s favorite stuffed animal.
When the surgeon finally appeared, we stood together.
The operation had gone according to plan.
The mass had been removed, and later tests confirmed it was benign.
Emily still needed months of recovery and medical monitoring, but we finally had hope.
Gradually, her vision and balance improved.
She returned to school, started playing outside, and rediscovered her love of reading.
Our home changed, too.
Margaret stopped using the phone to keep Emily occupied.
