"How much time do I have?" Spencer asked, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She's been staring at the papers in her hand for god knows how long, ignoring everyone else in the room.

"5 months, a year at the most. I'm really sorry. We've done everything we could. We've exhausted all other options."

"So this is what losing feels like." Spencer chuckled bitterly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I'm a Hastings, we don't lose at anything, she thought. But this, this is something not even Melissa or her parents can win. No matter how hard they tried, how many experts they've gone to, the results that they gave her were all the same. It's a loss cause. She is a lost cause.

"This can't be happening. It should have been me." Melissa said, surprising Spencer. The older sister was seated beside Spencer, crying softly on her side since they both read the results. "Why can't it just be me?" Melissa suddenly stated, her arms crushing Spencer's body in a tight hug. "I don't wanna lose you." She's sobbing uncontrollably now.

Spencer returned her older sister's embrace, her right hand gently stroking her back. Funny, she thought, Melissa should be the one comforting her, not the other way around. "Melissa," Spencer stated. "Stop being a baby. It's not like I'm leaving today. I still have 365 days at the most, right? And it's not like you'll miss me. I know you'll be happier without me around. You can have your next boyfriend all to yourself." Spencer stated, trying to make fun of the situation.

"Spencer!" Melissa suddenly pulled from her, her damp eyes glaring at Spencer's. "It's not funny! I- I can't lose you. I love you. You're my baby sis. I'm not going to lose you. We'll find another doctor." Melissa stated as she got up from the chair. She pulled Spencer up and walked out of the doctor's office without so much as a glance to Spencer's doctor.

Spencer pulled Melissa to a stop as they reached Melissa's car in the parking lot. "Melissa," Spencer began, "This is the 30th Oncologist we've gone to in 3 months. I doubt if we'll get a different answer next time. We've practically gone around the world in 90 days. And as much as I love travelling, I'm really physically and emotionally exhausted." Spencer stated, forcing a smile. She had always dreamt of travelling around the world, and she just did. They just visited a number of countries in the past three months, though not for the reasons that she dreamt of.

"I'm not giving up." Melissa replied, looking Spencer straight in the eyes. "I can't. I can't lose you. I know I've never been the perfect sister to you and I want to make it up to you. I'll be the best sister to you from now until we're both old and wrinkly. Please?" Her eyes and face were covered with tears, smudging her make-up.

"But you are. Despite our differences, despite all of the bad things that I did, you didn't hate me. You didn't disown me. I wouldn't trade you for anyone else. You are the best sister for me. You have been and still are. We both know it's over. I have to accept it. You should too."

Melissa nodded in defeat, pulling Spencer in her arms, holding her sister tight. "I'm sorry. It's just really hard." She pulled away slightly, cupping Spencer's face in her hands. "You are so much braver and stronger than me. You've always been. I love you, Spence."

"I love you too. Let's go home. We have to tell mom and dad." Spencer said after a few minutes, pulling away from her sister. Melissa nodded and they both got into her car.

The girls found both Veronica and Peter on the couch, talking about a case as they entered their home. "Mom, dad, we need to tell you something." Spencer began, taking her older sister's hand for support. They spent the next couple of hours telling their parents about the true nature of their trips.

For the first time in their lives, both Veronica and Peter Hastings were at a loss for words.

For the first time in their lives, both cried in front of their daughters.

For the first time in the Hastings' house, the family is engulfed in a big hug.

For the first time in the Hastings' lives, they had to face defeat.