“There’s no way to know if it’s benign or malignant without further tests,” Dr. Brooks explained. “But it’s important we address it immediately.”

Emma’s eyes widened, brimming with fear. I reached out and held her hand, squeezing it with all the reassurance I could muster, though my own heart was pounding wildly. “We’ll get through this, sweetheart,” I promised.

Dr. Brooks continued, detailing the next steps: surgery to remove the mass, a biopsy, and consultations with specialists. It all felt overwhelming, a cascade of medical terminology and procedures that blurred together in my mind. I nodded through it all, trying to grasp what this meant for Emma, for our family.

After the doctor left, I turned to Emma. She was silent, staring down at her hands, her fingers still nervously twisting the fabric of her hoodie. “I’m scared, Mom,” she whispered, her voice cracking.

I pulled her into a hug, wishing I could absorb all her fear and uncertainty. “I know, honey. But we’re in this together. You’re so strong, and we have great doctors taking care of you.”

The time dragged on, each minute heavy with anticipation and anxiety. I stepped outside to call Jason, dreading the conversation but knowing it was necessary. As the phone rang, I steeled myself for his reaction.

When he answered, I could hear the annoyance in his voice before I even spoke. “What’s going on?”

I explained everything as succinctly as possible, aware of the strain in my voice. There was a long pause on the other end, and then Jason sighed deeply. “I’ll come down to the hospital,” he said, his tone softer now, worry edging into his words.

When he arrived, the tension between us was palpable, but it dissipated as we focused on Emma. Seeing her father seemed to comfort her, if only slightly. Together, we waited through the preparations and discussions, united by our concern for our daughter.

As they wheeled Emma away for surgery, she gave us a brave smile, though her eyes were filled with tears. “I love you,” she said, her voice small but steady.

“We love you too, Emma,” Jason and I echoed, standing side by side, our differences temporarily set aside.