CHAPTER 26: DREAM TRIP

"What do you mean you're going to Europe?" Mark struggles to keep pace as I practically sprint to our new gate.

"We're going to Europe, not just me," I reply, briefly turning around before continuing to hurry.

"You know what I meant. Now, can you slow down?" He pleads, and I do so only when we reach the gate. "Can you explain it to me now?"

"We're going to Europe because it's been my lifelong dream, and I'll be starting treatment in a week. For the next six months to a year, I'll be too ill to do anything," I explain, my voice choked with emotion. I hear the loudspeaker announcing the flight to London, UK, and tears threaten to well up in my eyes. "Now, you can board that plane with me, or you can go back home and wait for me to return in a week. I'm doing this, with or without you."

"Shouldn't we call your dad? He'll be expecting you home," Mark suggests, a hopeful expression on his face.

"No! He'd do everything in his power to bring me home, and it would work. Besides, I don't h