Chapter 19

The doctor laid out the risks. "After the procedure, there's a high chance of liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy." Charlotte silently thought to herself, "The chances are as high as 50%." The doctor had long grown used to blank stares and silent, overwhelmed families. "Take some time to think about it. I'll need an answer by 6:00 pm." "I will," Charlotte responded flatly. She paused for a few seconds before asking, "How much will the procedure cost?" Elyse's condition had improved recently, but only because they'd switched to higher-grade medication—and now a surgery on top of that. The bills had to be piling up again. She didn't have a part-time job anymore, and she wasn't sure if the money she had would be enough. If it wasn't enough… she'd have to ask Daniel for help. That thought alone made her feel incredibly small. Asking someone for money was something she'd never done before. Even imagining it left her cheeks burning with shame. But what other choice did she have? S