A day went by, and Toula's fever was gone. The swelling had decreased drastically. Dr. Reese came in for a status report.
"Hey there," she greeted. "How are you feeling, Toula?"
"A lot better. A lot stronger, too," she said positively.
"That's wonderful news. We need you to be a strong as possible." She clutched a clipboard close to her chest. "I'm thinking… we should probably schedule your surgery. Soon."
Ian walked over and sat on the hospital bed beside his wife.
"Okay," Toula agreed slowly. She wanted this to be done as soon as possible, but she simultaneously didn't want to face it at all.
"I know that Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up, and I know you'll want to be home for that. So what do you think about in… two weeks?"
"Two weeks?" Her heart thumped loudly.
"You're scared. I understand. But we can't delay, or else the cancer might grow or spread."
The muscles in Ian's jaw tightened. He stared at Toula.
"What do you think?" she asked him softly.
"I don't want to rush you, but I think two weeks will be best. Otherwise I'm going to worry the whole time, and I know you. You'll worry too."
"Toula will worry either way," Nick commented. "She's always been a downer," he joked lightly.
"What can you tell me about the surgery?" she inquired.
Dr. Reese straightened up. "I can tell you that it's going to be an easy surgery. I'm coordinating with a doctor who's done this procedure a thousand times. He has the most experience with Stage 2 cancer. And, there shouldn't be any need for reconstructive surgery afterwards." She offered a small smile. "We're going to take care of you, Toula."
"Alright. See you in two weeks, then," the patient confirmed.
"Don't worry. You'll be home and healing by the time the holidays come around."
"Sounds like a plan," Ian supported. He stood and shook Dr. Reese's hand. "Thanks."
"See you in two weeks," she nodded confidently.
Two weeks passed quickly. They told Paris about the day of the surgery, and they informed the family too. Suddenly, it was the night before, and Toula was trying to keep calm.
She ate dinner with Ian in their quiet house. She was on the edge of her seat, tense, nerves high-strung. Afterward, they went to bed early. She would need the rest.
"I'm going to brush my teeth, okay?" Toula stated tersely.
Ian flopped back onto the bed and closed his eyes. "'Kay."
Hurriedly, the anxious woman shut herself inside the bathroom. She placed her hand on her chest, feeling her heart race. Toula gripped the counter top. She ran the faucet so Ian wouldn't think anything was wrong.
Then, Toula hugged herself and sat down hard on the floor. She shuddered.
There was a buzzing on the counter. It was her phone.
"Hello?" Toula answered.
"Mom?" Paris replied tearfully.
"Hey honey." Toula leaned back against the bathroom wall. "Why are you crying?"
"I'm scared for you," the daughter admitted. "I want to be there with you."
"I know sweetheart. I'm scared too." She laughed instead of sobbing, which surprised her. "I'll tell Aunt Voula to keep you on FaceTime, so you can be there."
"Okay," Paris giggled, though her voice was still thick with emotion. "Do you- do you trust your doctors? Are they the best ones possible?"
"Yes. Yes, they are. They said they're going to take care of me. And I'll be home to see you over break."
"That's good. I'm going to be the first one off that plane. I'll fight any old people who get in the way."
They both broke into laughter.
The mother and daughter listened to the silence for a moment.
"I'll call you tomorrow, before the surgery. And I'll see you right before you go in, if Aunt Voula succeeds in figuring out the technology."
"That sounds perfect," Toula grinned.
"I love you," Paris said with urgency.
"I love you too. I love you so much, sweetheart. Now get some sleep."
They hung up.
