Chapter 93: Breaking the News

The fluorescent display on Olivia's bedside clock blinked at 3:17 AM, and red digits seemed to accuse her of being awake. She lay, staring at the ceiling above, her mind a hive buzzing with thoughts and fears. It did weigh heavy on her chest, that diagnosis, like someone had placed a boulder on her chest; breathing had become a feat of acrobatics in itself. How does one even begin to share such life-changing news? The light started to show at the edge of the curtains, and Olivia gave up the idea of getting any further sleep. Down in the kitchen, she flittered around, careful not to disturb Nathan if he happened to fall asleep again in the next room. The coffee machine gurgled to life, filling the room with a reassuring scent of fresh coffee. Olivia took the warm mug, cupping her hands around it like a lifeline to its heat. She had been putting it off for days, but she could hardly stand it any longer. The doctor's words rang in her ears: "The treatment is not working as we had hoped;