Steve took John into the consultation with the specialist. They had a long talk and John started the same day treatment. The doctor warned Steve that John would have reactions and would feel very bad after each treatment session.
Catherine stayed home with Emily and Michelle. Aside from worrying about John, she was also worried about something else.
Steve came home with John late in the afternoon.
Catherine was waiting for them anxiously. She went to the car to pick up John.
Catherine was frightened by what she saw.
Steve ...
Keep calm, Cath. The doctor said this would happen. He's already started treatment.
Catherine saw John prostrate in the baby chair, in his dirty clothes because he had vomited, and tears streaming down his face.
Mommy ! John said raising his arms to Catherine.
Catherine caught him and hugged him.
I'm here, my baby. Mommy will take care of you.
Catherine bathed John put clean clothes in him, and laid him on the bed. She fondled John's hair.
The girls went to the bedroom to see John.
Mommy , why is John like this? Asked Emily.
John isn't well, my dear. He needs to rest.
Cath, we need to talk later.
Yes, we do, Steve.
Come on, girls. Let Mom take care of John. He needs silence. Steve said taking the girls into the living room.
Catherine took care of John while Steve took care of the girls. Steve made dinner, too.
John ate very little.
After some time, Catherine managed to make him sleep.
Steve also took the girls to sleep.
My loves, don't do noise please, so as not to wake your brother. Catherine said.
Michelle kissed John's cheek carefully so she would not wake him.
How beautiful, daughter! Catherine said.
I don't want him to get sick, Mommy . I gave him a little kiss to get better.
He'll get better, my love. Now go to bed. Good night. Catherine said kissing Michelle.
Good night Mommy .
Come here, Emily. Good night My Love. Catherine said kissing her.
Good night Mommy .
After the girls slept, Steve called Catherine to talk.
Cath, I have a list of things John can't do. He can't stay in places with many people, should not eat anything outside the home, all his food has to be well cooked even the fruits.
Okay, Steve. Before we continue, I need to tell you something.
What?
I know this is not the right time, but it happened again, Steve. I'm Pregnant.
Are you sure about that?
Yes, I'm. Said Catherine.
Cath, this is a wonderful novelty.
It's another chance for John. Steve said smiling.
How so?
The doctor explained. We can use umbilical cord blood to help heal John if chemotherapy does not work. It was not a very viable option for us, but now that you're already pregnant, that's great Cath.
What do you mean, if chemotherapy doesn't work? Are you telling me that my child is suffering so much and the treatment may not work?
It's a possibility, Catherine. Each person reacts in a way to the treatment. But, the baby, we can't get better news than this. This baby came to save John.
But we can't think of him only as John's savior. It's our son also Steve, as well as John, Emily and Michelle.
I know, Cath. And he'll be very welcome. I'm glad he or she already exists inside you.
Come here. Steve said, pulling Catherine closer to him.
We're going to win this fight, Cath. Steve said hugging her.
