Page 68 of What Should Have Been Ours

She gives me a small, lopsided smile. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s true.”

Her father finally turns, his throat bobbing as he swallows hard. “I just…I don’t know what we do after this.”

I exhale. I wish I had the right words. I wish there were something that could make this easier for them.

“I can’t imagine how you’re feeling,” I admit, my voice softer. “And I won’t pretend to have the answers, but I can tell you that you’re not alone. We’ll be here for anything you need.”

Her mother nods, wiping at her eyes as she tries to look away so her daughter doesn’t see.

Samantha looks up at me. “You used to be sick too, right?”

I freeze for a second, then nod. “Yeah. A long time ago.”

“And you got better?”

I swallow, nodding again. “I did.”

She hums, thoughtful. “I think it’s cool that you help kids like me now.”

My throat tightens as I reach for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You’re amazing, Samantha. I’m so grateful I got to meet and know you.”

She squeezes back and that little gesture tries to undo me completely.

When I leave the room, my chest feels too tight still. My heart always breaks for these families. But I push past the feelings weighing on me and go to follow up with my attending, run through some notes, and finally check the time.

My turn.

* * *

I make my way across the hospital, checking in for my annual scans and bloodwork.

I don’t love being on this side of things, but I don’t have much of a choice. Being cancer-free for ten years doesn’t make the fear of a possible relapse go away. Especially since it’s common with the type I had.

After going through the usual rounds—EKG, blood draws, scans, and a basic physical. I sit on the exam table, waiting for my results.

Dr. Brown walks in, flipping through my chart.

“Well,” he starts. “Most of your scans came back completely normal.”

I exhale a relieved breath and nod. “Good.”

“We’re still waiting on a few additional tests, though. Some of them take a little longer, as you know, but based on everything we’ve got back so far, you’re in the clear. I know you had some concerns, but I don’t see anything alarming. We’ll call when we have the full results, but I wouldn’t lose sleep over it, Dr. Hayes.”

I nod again, running a hand through my hair. “Sounds good.”

He pats my shoulder. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. Everything’s looking good. Just take it a little easier. These years in the hospital can be grueling. Don’t overwork your body. It’s been through a lot in your lifetime.”

A wave of relief washes over me with the results as I shoot Wes a quick text.

Cam: All good. Everything is normal so far. Waiting on a few more tests, but looking all clear.

He replies immediately.

Wes: Glad you’re not secretly dying. You’re not allowed to leave me behind yet. Call Gabrielle before she has an actual panic attack.

I smirk, already dialing her number.