Blood Ties

**”Blood Ties”**

Emily looked at her husband, Daniel, her fingers twisting the hem of her jumper. “I saw the doctor today. Had all the tests. Its bad. If I dont start treatment straight away, I wont well, you know. The surgery, the chemo, the medsits all so expensive. Where on earth are we going to get the money?”

Daniel squeezed her hand. “Dont worry, love. Well sort it. I promise. Youre not alone in this.”

“I should tell Mum. Shell notice somethings wrong anywaybetter she hears it from me. Though God knows how shell take it.”

Emily couldnt believe this was happening. Not even forty, with so much life aheadand now this. At least she had Daniel, and his son, Jake, whod become like her own. No children of her ownher first husband had left her over itbut she had her mum, her sister, her nephew. Theyd help. Shed get through this.

Daniel had raised Jake alone. His ex-wife had vanished when the boy was two, leaving nothing but a divorce decree.

Theyd met in Hyde Park. Emily was walking her terrier, Buster; Daniel was pushing Jake on the swings. A chat led to coffee, then dates, then marriage. They sold her grandmas old flat in Clapham and bought a bigger place in Wimbledon. Life was gooduntil it wasnt.

That evening, Emily turned up at her mums with a Victoria sponge.

“Mum, dont panic, but I need to tell you something. Theyve found cancer. If I dont get treatment soon, its well. Daniel and I are trying to figure out the money”

“Oh, love! But youve always been so healthy! Not like your sister, Lucyalways poorly, always in hospital. What rotten luck!”

Exactly the reaction Emily had dreaded. The wailing, the drama. But better she knew.

“Id help if I could, but Ive just given Lucys son the money for his new car. Spoilt him rotten, didnt I? Only grandchild, you see. And theres my savings accountbut if I withdraw it, I lose the interest, and your dad always said”

“Im not asking for money, Mum. Just telling you.”

Daniel sold his beloved Mini. It covered the first round of treatment. Emily had the surgery. Then came the next hurdle.

“Oh, love, you look peaky!” her mum fretted during a visit. “What do the doctors say? Any chance?”

“Time will tell. Im staying hopeful. Has Lucy been by?”

“Shes in Marbella with her husband. But she sends her love!”

“Right. Since she found out, shes called *twice*. But never mind.”

It stung. Not even a proper hug, not even a proper “How are you holding up?”

“Dan, the doctor says theres a better drug, but its extortionate. The cheaper one might not even work. What do we do?”

“Dont fret. Ill sort it. Im your husband, remember? Jake misses you. We both do.”

Warmth flooded her chest. How lucky she was to have them.

Then she remembered her mums savings.

“Mum, I need that money. This drug could save me. Could you lend it? Well pay you back”

“*Lend*? To my own daughter? Id give it if I could. But lets be honestyour chances arent great. I spoke to your doctor. What if you spend it all and it doesnt work?”

“I see. Never mind.”

When her mum left, Emily cried. So much for family.

Daniel burst in later, grinning. “Love! My parents sold their holiday cottage in the Cotswolds! Gave us every penny!”

Emilys heart ached with gratitude. These people, practically strangers, had done more than her own blood.

Then the treatment hit hard.

Her mum sat by the bed, businesslike. “Love, Ill be blunt. Its not working. Ive read up on it. The doctors wont say it, but well. And when youre gone, Daniel gets the flateven though most of the money came from your grans place. Seems unfair, doesnt it? Your nephew, Oliver*hes* family. Why not sign it over to him now? Save the hassle later.”

Emily stared. Was this her *mother*? Raised her, loved herand now counting down the days?

“*Family*?” Emilys voice shook. “Where were you when I needed help? Too busy guarding your savings? Lucys sunning herself in Spain! But sure, lets grab the flat while Im still breathing!”

Her mum sighed and left. What had she said wrong?

Miraculously, Emily recovered. The drug worked. Daniel nearly carried her home in triumph.

She signed the flat over to himjust in case.

Her mums lips thinned. “Well. A stranger matters more than your own blood. Lucy will be *devastated*.”

Emily didnt care. She was alive. And that was everything.