Poppy didn't hear very much from Emily for a few months. It was August before she heard anything and Poppy had just adjusted to not having Charli around. "Hiya Poppy, I'm not ringing with good news I'm afraid."
Poppy's mind went into panic mode. "What's happened?"
"Well, good news first. Charli settled really well with me. She still babbles your name and asks for you, so I thought maybe we could meet up at some point. Also, Charli's going to be a big sister! I'm expecting triplets in February."
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you! However, Charli's not been well recently, and I took her to the doctor and they've run some tests. Charli's got a serious illness and they need to help her fight it. She'll be going into hospital next week. They're going to wipe her immune system and give her a bone marrow transplant. I think it'll be beneficial for her if you continue to be a part of her life."
Poppy was silent. This could not be happening. Charli was the happiest, healthiest little girl she'd ever known. There was no way she could be seriously ill. "What's wrong with her? Can I come and see her tomorrow?"
"I can't tell you exactly, but you can see her tomorrow. See you soon."
Poppy had a restless night, filled with worry and concern for what tomorrow would bring...