The Golden Child's Secret

When the test results came back, I frowned as I stared at the report in my hands. "Cervical cancer? Doctor, is this curable?"

The doctor, Oliver Blythe, looked serious as he replied gravely, "Generally speaking, this is one of the more treatable cancers. However, for someone as young as Hailey to develop cervical cancer is quite rare, so treatment might be more complicated than usual."

My sister, Hailey Fisher, was five years younger than me and had just turned 20 that year. Ever since she dropped out of middle school, she had not touched another textbook.

Mom did not seem to mind at all. Instead, she devoted herself entirely to taking care of Hailey's every need, giving her whatever she wanted.

It would not be a stretch to say Mom would love her unconditionally forever, so long as she lived.

"Hailey is so sweet and well-behaved. Of course I'm going to dote on her!"

I knew the truth, though. Hailey's 'good girl' act in front of Mom was fake.

Behind closed doors, she smoked and drank, constantly being around sketchy guys from the neighborhood. I had warned her countless times to be careful and protect herself, but all I ever got in return was mockery from her.

"Casual dating is totally normal now. What would a boring bookworm like you know about it? Mom said she supports everything I do, so mind your own business! I bet you're just jealous because you've never had a boyfriend!"

Hailey's scornful laughter still echoed in my mind as I looked down at the medical report in front of me.

The words [Stage 2 Cervical Cancer] glared up at me from the page. Without immediate intervention and treatment, the cancer cells would only spread and get worse. Once it reached the later stages, there would be very little hope of recovery.

Even though Hailey and I had never gotten along and she never listened to anything I said, this involved her life. With that, I set aside my personal feelings for the moment.

I was about to discuss surgery options with Oliver when Mom burst into the room. She grabbed my hand with tears streaming down her face, her voice firm and determined.

"Caroline, don't be scared! Cervical cancer has a really high survival rate! Even if it costs every penny I have, I'll be right here fighting this cancer with you!"

Both Oliver and I froze at her words.

I was about to tell her she had the wrong person, but she was not listening. She was lost in her own world.

She wiped away the tears from her eyes and said with a trembling voice, "You're still so young. As long as we can get through this, you'll have your whole bright future ahead of you! Caroline, don't you worry. I'm going home right now to pack my things so I can stay at the hospital with you!"

The moment she finished speaking, she turned, took Hailey's arm, and walked out of the office sobbing.