"The little patient's not doing too well," the doctor said, adjusting his glasses with a serious look. "The initial diagnosis is leukemia."
Leukemia?
The word hit her like a dagger to the heart. How could this disease target her son? No, this can't be real.
"No, doctor, there must be some mistake," Eliza's voice shook, tears brimming in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any second. "Our family has always been healthy. How could my son have leukemia? Could you double-check?"
Her eyes were red and puffy. She couldn't bring herself to accept or face this harsh reality.
"Let's not panic just yet," the doctor said softly, steadying the woman who looked on the brink of collapsing. "The silver lining is that your son has the mildest form of leukemia. With treatment, his chances are quite good."
"Do we need a transplant? I can be a donor, I know I can," Eliza said, rolling up her sleeve, her voice a mix of panic and fear that she might not be able to help Brock. She dreaded the thought of the doctor turning her down. "I'm healthy, I'll do anything."
"Let's not rush. Whether we go for conservative treatment or need a match, we need to have a thorough consultation before deciding. For now, focus on taking care of your child. I'll go and organize a meeting."
The doctor reassured Eliza, and a nurse guided her back to the ward. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of leukemia. She had never imagined her son could be struck by such a disease.
She sat frozen beside Brock's bed, her eyes glued to his pale, pain-stricken face. Her thoughts swirled like a storm. It felt like her world had plunged into endless darkness.
The door suddenly swung open. Casper's worried face appeared.
"What's going on with Brock?" He rushed to his son's side, clutching the boy's small hand. "I'm here, buddy. Don't be scared."
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