“I’m cancer-free.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, almost too big to fit in the bakery. Elaine gasped, her other hand flying to her mouth, her eyes already brimming with tears.
“What?” Jeff whispered, leaning closer as though he hadn’t heard me right.
I smiled, tears slipping down my face.
“The chemo worked. I’m in remission.
I’m cancer-free!”
Elaine sobbed softly beside me, her grip on my hand tightening as she whispered, “Thank you, God. Thank you!”
“Does that mean you’re better now, Mom?” my son asked, looking up at me with those big, innocent eyes that had kept me fighting through the worst days.
“Yes, sweetheart,” I said, wrapping him in a hug. “It means I’m better.
It means I’m going to be here. With you. With all of you.”
Jeff raised his head then, his eyes red and glistening.
“You’re here,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re here, Maria.”
I nodded, cupping his cheek. “I’m here.”
