I don't know what I did wrong, but this chapter was missing. I am so sorry.


The second week had flown by. Before they knew it, Cora was packing the last stuff in the suitcases. Robert wrapped his arm around Cora's waist. "I had the best time darling, thank you so much for arranging all this. It was the best birthday surprise you could give this old man."

Cora turned around. "You are not old! Because then I am old too!" She kissed the tip of his nose. "Do you have everything?"

Robert picked up Ava and took Cora's hand. "Everything I need!"

Cora smiled and walked with Robert outside.

The flight back home went smooth. When they got back home, Cora said she would give Ava a bath and put her to bed.


"Robert……..? Robert, are you there?" Cora called out.

Robert popped his head around the corner. "What is it?"

"Do you remember Ava falling? She has a bruise on her back and leg."

Robert stepped closer. "No, she didn't. How did she do this? Ava?" He asked "Did you fall?"

"No, daddy." Was her answer.

"Strange? I will keep a better eye out." Cora said mumbling.

"She must have stumbled against something. Don't worry." He turned around and went back to the bedroom to unpack.


When Robert woke up, it was in the middle of the night. He noticed Cora was awake. "Darling?"

"Hmmm, did I wake you honey?"

"I don't know. But why are you awake?" Robert said while putting his hand on Cora's arm.

"I am worried about Ava. She is having a fever, and I don't like those bruises. Last week she had several nosebleeds."

"What are you thinking of?" Robert closes his hand around her arm.

"I don't know. It just worries me."

"Darling? Please?" Robert strengthened his grip

"What if she has something serious."

"My dear, please try to get some sleep. We will call a doctor tomorrow." He pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her.

Cora let out a deep sigh. "You are right."


Robert was in his office when John entered. He didn't notice, him stepping in. His head rested in his hands, tears dripping on his desk.

"Robert? Something wrong at home?" John asked

Robert jerked up. "Kind off." Was his answer.

John picked up a chair and set next to Robert "You want to tell me?"

"It is Ava." His voice caught in his throat. "She is, she is sick." Robert looked up to John. "She has ALL – acute lymphoblastic leukaemia."

John gasped. "When did you find out?"

"This afternoon. When we came back from Rome, we saw some strange bruises and she had a fever. We went to the doctor the next day and she was send to the hospital for tests. And it turned out she has ALL."

"So , you are saying, you left Cora alone with Ava? Why are you here?"

Robert looked guilty. "I don't know, I cannot handle this."

"Yes, you can. You will go home. Ava will be sleeping right now. Your wife needs you! You can't leave her alone." John said firm.


When Robert arrived home, he found Cora in the big armchair. She was curled up in a blanket, staring at the wall. Robert touched her arm.

Cora looked up with red eyes from crying. "Oh, Robert, why did you go away? I needed you."

"I am sorry darling. I handle emotions very bad. I am sorry. But I am here now." He sunk on his knees next to her and took her hand. "Is Ava asleep?"

Cora brushed his hand with her thumb. "She is. She doesn't understand what is happening. I can't believe treatments will start tomorrow. Oh darling, what if she dies." Cora broke down in tears.

Robert pulled her closer. "We are getting her the best doctors we can. We are not going to lose our little girl. And from now on, I will be there for you! I am on your side."


Chemotherapy had started straightaway. It was hard to see Ava lose all her hair. Their lively darling daughter had changed into a very silent and a withdrawn child. Robert also noticed Cora had lost her joy. She was only busy with caring for Ava, she never took a moment for herself. It worried Robert. Cora was never a voluminous woman, but now she was getting skin over bone.

When Ava was in bed and Cora walked out of her room, Robert took her hand. "Darling. Did you eat something today?"

"I had breakfast."

"Sweetheart, that is not enough. It is 15.00 o'clock. Come I will make you something, what do you fancy."

Cora lowered her shoulders. "It's alright darling. I don't need anything."

Robert took her shoulders in a firm grip. "Cora! I need you to stay healthy. I can't lose you and Ava." Robert's words made Cora cry. She grabbed onto Robert and sobbed. Robert held her firmly against his body and let her break down. He didn't say anything, but just stood there with her in his arms. brushing her hair and back.

Cora looked up. "Darling, I totally forget to think about you. You are also having to deal with this. I am sorry. Come we will eat something and I will make you a cup of tea." She took his hand and squeezed it.

Robert made some toast for Cora and she gave him a cup of tea. She sat down next to him, her hand in his. "Ava will survive this, she is reacting well on the treatments. We will do everything that we can to pull her through this." She got up and massaged his shoulders. His muscles were so tense. "Darling, we can ask Rosamund to be here tomorrow, so we can go for a walk or something?"

Robert turned around. "Ava doesn't have a hospital day right?"

"No, she doesn't, no treatments tomorrow, so Rosamund just has to be here."

"That is a wonderful idea, I could use a day together with you."

Cora leaned in to kiss Robert. "We have to be strong together, I will not shut you out anymore. I need you to be strong for Ava."