*TW* - Cancer diagnosis

The darkness of night finally gave way to day for which Maddie was most grateful. She hadn't had the best sleep at all, her mind too busy with concerns and worries to allow herself to rest. Not long after Geri had left the night before, Cordell had witnessed her having a seizure first hand. Though he tried not to show it, she knew he was worried about her. Really worried.

When she'd come back to reality after the seizure, for the first time that she could remember, her dad had actually looked scared. Her dad wasn't frightened of anything. Even when they'd been held at gunpoint by Clint West he hadn't been scared. He was a Texas Ranger, he wasn't scared of anything.

And yet, when she'd seen the look on his face….

Cordell had done his best to hide how worried he was when Maddie had come out of the seizure, the nurses telling him what she needed was reassurance after her episode. How could he tell her that everything would be alright though when he had no idea if it would be? She'd just had a second seizure in less than twenty-four hours. He had reason to be worried.

Maddie had watched over him as he'd slept beside her in the chair, her father unaware that she wasn't asleep. Though she was worried for herself, her biggest concern was for her family. With everything that they'd just been through, if she really was sick, how would they manage to hold together after that? They'd literally only lost their home a little over a week ago and now this…

A tear slipped out of her eye, rolling down her cheek onto her pillow. When she'd said to Geri that all she wished was for her family to be happy again, that had been the honest truth. Though they were trying to hold together she could feel things were different. They just were. It wasn't like it had been a couple months ago. Things had just changed and she wanted so much for them to go back to what they were…

Cordell started to stir and Maddie quickly wiped the tears away so he wouldn't know she had been crying. A moment later he yawned softly and she managed a timid smile at him. 'Morning Dad.'

'M-morning.' He seemed a little startled that she was already awake.

'You get any sleep?'

'Yeah… yeah, some.' He stretched, the hospital chair not being the most comfortable at all to spend a night in. 'You?'

Maddie nodded. 'A little.' It wasn't a complete lie, an hour or two was a little in her opinion.

Cordell stifled another yawn.

'You look dreadful Dad.' She chuckled softly. 'You might need a couple extra cups of coffee today I'm thinking.'

'Mmm…' He moved over closer to her again, tucking her hair back behind her ear. 'How are you feeling?'

'Dad-' She smiled up at him. 'I'm okay. Really. Haven't woken with a headache this morning so I'm doing great.' Whatever was in that drip was working like an absolute charm. 'So you can toddle off to work and go catch some bad guys without worrying about me, okay?'

Cordell nodded after a moment. 'Alright.'

'Good.' She glanced over at the clock. 'Wonder if Mawline can grab me some of those blueberry muffins I like for breakfast…'

He laughed at that. 'You and those blueberry muffins.'

'Hey, what can I say? They are the best.' She turned to him. 'Can you ask her to grab me some? Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?'

Cordell sighed heavily then grabbed his phone out of his pocket. 'Well, since you asked so nicely… Alright. Yes. I'll ask her.'

'Thank you.' She watched as he wrote up a quick text, his phone returning to his pocket once he'd sent it. 'Dad…' He looked back at her and she reached out her hand to him, Cordell taking it in his. 'Please… try not to worry about me. When they do the tests and find out what's going on I'm sure whatever it is can be fixed.'

'I-I'll try not to… Cause you asked.'

Maddie smiled at him.

He smiled back at her, stroking the back of her hand gently with his thumb. 'Well… I uh… I better think about getting to work…'

'Okay.'

'Ma-Mama will be in soon. She'll be here shortly so you won't be alone for too long-'

'Dad.' She interrupted him gently. 'It's okay. I know you need to go. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine on my own for a little while. Besides, Mika left me enough magazines to keep me entertained for a year.'

'Alright.' Cordell stood, giving her a hug and a kiss. 'Hope you have a good day sweetheart.'

'Oh, it's gonna be great when I get out of here!'

He chuckled, smoothing her hair back. 'I love you.'

Maddie smiled again, this time widely. 'Love you too Daddy.'

Cordell lingered for a moment then gave her one last kiss on the forehead, grabbed his hat and headed for the door. When it had closed after him, Maddie's smile slipped away again and she sighed softly, reaching for one of the magazines to read to pass the time. Mindlessly flicking through the pages she tried to not think about the tests and such that she had scheduled to take place later that morning.

She'd never had so much as a blood test before let alone anything that was remotely like what they were going to put her through. Even yesterday when they'd gone to stick the needle in her for her arm for the drip she would have panicked expect for Abeline staying with her, comforting her.

Maddie honestly couldn't wait to get out of the place.

'Look who's a free girl again.' Bonham remarked as he got up from his seat in the waiting room, Maddie chuckling softly as he gave her a hug. 'All done little one?'

Maddie nodded. 'Finally. I'm so glad it's over.'

'You did really well sweetheart.' Abeline said, placing her arm around her shoulders. 'I know you were scared but you handled it well. Your Dad's gonna be impressed.'

She looked up at her, giving her a tiny smile. Scared had been an understatement. Terrified was more accurate.

They'd done something on her called an MRI, in addition to CT scans and taking bloods and a bunch of other things. The MRI though, that had been the worst. They'd had to do it twice, once normally and then one after having a contrast dye injected into her arm. The nurses and the technologist had been great, explaining through everything for her but she was still thankful Abeline had been with her. Not only did she have a bad fear of heights (and she would never climb a tree again, ever) but she wasn't that great with enclosed spaces either. Thankfully now, it was over.

'Maddie?'

'Oh, sorry…' She apologized as she returned back to reality, looking up at Bonham. 'Were you saying something?'

'I was asking what you'd like for lunch.' He replied. 'We got makings for sandwiches at home Abby?'

Maddie wrinkled her nose up at that. 'Hey, I've just been through a bunch of really boring tests and stuff. Can't I get something better than sandwiches for lunch? Might make me feel better…'

Abeline chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. 'What did you have in mind then?'

'Pizza?' She questioned hopefully.

'Alright.' Bonham nodded. 'Pizza it is then.'

As they headed out of the hospital, Maddie snapped a quick selfie of herself walking out the front door. Guess who's off to go have pizza! She added to the picture, sending it first to Mika then another one to her dad.

All finished now. She texted quickly as she kept up with her grandparents. We're gonna go get pizza for lunch. See you at home tonight.

When they were in the truck and headed out of the parking lot, her phone vibrated. Great news! Mika replied with a selfie of her and Bel. The girls miss you!

Haha. A smile was on her face as she texted her back. I'll see if Grampa can bring me by for a short while after lunch.

Alright. Hope to see you!

Maddie turned her phone screen off again, looking out the window at the passing traffic. They had said that her results would be sent to the family GP once the tests and such had been processed. Now that they were done the only thing they had to do was wait.

Just as they were pulling up to an Italian pizza place she had another message come through. Glad to see a smile on that pretty face. Cordell had written. Enjoy lunch with Mom and Dad. Love you baby girl.

Maddie smiled again seeing that, typing a reply back to him.

Love you too Dad.

'Hey Grampa.' She started after returning her phone to her pocket again. 'Can I go see Bel and Dakota after we eat?'

Bonham thought about it for a moment, glancing over at his wife. Abeline nodded and he glanced up in the revision mirror at Maddie. 'Sure darlin. We can do that.'

'Thanks Gramps. You're the best.'

'Hey-' Abeline chuckled, looking back at her. 'What about me?'

Maddie giggled. 'You go alright.'

'Alright?' She questioned, pretending to be offended. 'No more blueberry muffins for you, my girl.'

She laughed, really laughed. 'Very funny Mawline, very funny.'

'So-' Cassie bounded over to Cordell's desk, trying to sneak a peek at the message he was looking at on his phone. 'Geri?'

Cordell shook his head, turning the screen off as he returned his phone to his desk. 'Maddie.'

'Oh. How is she?' She asked with genuine concern. 'She finished with the tests they were going to do?'

'Yeah, yeah… They're leaving the hospital now.' He replied. 'Mom and Dad are taking her out to get pizza for lunch.'

'Huh. Lucky girl.' She looked down at the snap-lock bag that contained a single peanut butter sandwich which was the sum total of her packed lunch. 'Wonder if they want company… Pizza sure sounds a hell of a lot more appetizing than this.'

'Cassie-'

'Only joking.' Cassie threw her hands up in surrender as she sat down at her desk again. 'So, we got any leads yet?'

Cordell shook his head, returning his attention back to the computer screen. 'Nothing yet.. To be honest though-I ain't…'

'I know.' She said as his words trailed off. 'You've been off your game all day and I get why. Just wait till the results come through and take it from there.'

He sighed heavily, rubbing a hand wearily over his face before turning back to his partner. 'Maddie… she ah-she had another seizure… last night, while I was there.'

'I see…'

'It ah… It-it shook me.' Cordell admitted after a moment. 'I mean, being there, unable to do anything… And Maddie-' The hint of a glum smile touching his lips. 'Maddie's first words after it were 'You okay dad?'

Cassie smiled sadly at that, playing with a pen from her desk.

'I'm just… I'm worried about her Cas. I mean, hiding that she's been sick all these months…' He shook his head. 'And now, her having seizures…'

She was about to reply when she noticed his phone screen lit up again. 'Walker-' She motioned down at it. 'Your phone's blowing up.'

Cordell frowned as he picked it up, looking at the caller ID. 'It's the medical center…'

True to his word, Bonham took Maddie over to the Equestrian Center after lunch, though they had to make a short detour to drop Abeline off at home first. She'd enjoyed having lunch with them, it had been nice to be able to have a decent meal without feeling nauseous for a change.

As they parked in Briar Ridges parking lot, Maddie woke from her quick nap and stretched, Bonham turning off the truck.

'Tired Maddie?'

'Mmm…' She un-clipped her seat belt and grabbed her phone off the charging cable. 'Just a little.'

'Maybe we should get you home-'

'No Grampa!' Maddie chuckled. 'No. I'm okay. I want to see my girls.'

'Alright, alright. Come on then. Let's go.'

The two of them headed through the yard and into the main barn, Mika exiting a stall as they walked in. 'Mika!'

'Maddie!' Her face lit up as she returned the halter and lead rope to its hook then ran up to her, Maddie laughing as they hugged. 'You okay? What did they say about the tests-'

'Woah there sister.' Maddie giggled. 'One question at a time. First, yes, I'm okay. Feeling pretty good actually. Second, I won't find out for a couple days. Probably not till Monday or Tuesday.'

'You had me worried.

'Hey, I got myself worried. Not exactly how I wanted yesterday and today to go but anyway… I'm here now. My girls have been behaving?'

'Yes, of course they have.' Mika replied, Bonham coming up beside them. 'Afternoon Mr. Walker.'

'Mika.' He smiled at her before continuing. 'Well, while you two talk each other's ears off, I might go sit out in the truck to wait.'

'You don't have to do that Grampa, come see Bel and Dakota with me.' Maddie suggested. 'Mika has to get back to work anyway, right?'

She nodded. 'I've got a few things to get done before I can have some time off, yes.'

'Alright.' He relented. 'I'll come with you.'

'Great.' She smiled, turning back to Mika. 'Is one of the arenas free? I can't ride today but I'd love to get some groundwork in with the pair of them.'

'Ah, the smaller one should be. I've got to head past there anyway, I'll text and let you know.'

'Thanks.'

'Catch you around later.' Mika said as she started down the aisle, turning back to them for a moment. 'Watch her Mr. Walker. Make sure she takes it easy.'

Bonham had an amused smile on his lips as he nodded. 'Will do.'

'Haha.' Maddie rolled her eyes. 'Come on Grampa, this way.'

Bel and Dakota both had their heads out over their stall doors as they walked up, Maddie going to Bel first. 'Hey… Hey darlin…' She ran her hand up the mare's forehead. 'Miss me?' Bel snorted softly and she chuckled. 'Guess that's a yes then.'

As she was patting Dakota, Mika messaged to let her know the arena was free for the next hour. After replying a thank you she grabbed Dakota's halter and caught her, giving her to Bonham to hold as she went to get Bel.

They headed into the arena, Maddie grabbing her whips from the tack room on the way past and when they were in the arena, turned both of them loose. Bel and Dakota were both happy to have a run and a play around before starting work and she watched them with a smile, chuckling at their antics. Bonham found himself a seat in the grandstand at the edge of the arena to watch, Maddie having requested that he record some videos of their training.

There, with her horses again, Maddie felt her problems and worries begin to melt away. Both Bel and Dakota returned to her after a short time, standing on either side of her. Maddie chuckled as she gave them both pats, breathing in their presence. Everything would be okay.

It was just a matter of waiting now.

The call that Cordell had received proved to be important, a secretary at the medical office informing him that their family doctor had requested he come see him regarding Maddie's test results. After getting the all clear from James to go, he and Cassie had headed across town to the appointment.

Now as he sat in the waiting room, he fiddled with his hat, bouncing a knee up and down anxiously. For him to have been called so quickly and to be asked to come in instead of getting the results over the phone, it concerned him. The secretary hadn't given him any other useful information except that Dr. Jacob had wanted him to come in asap.

Taking a deep breath he lent back against the wall, trying to quell the uneasiness and worry within him. At least the waiting room was empty, Cassie had decided to stay out in the truck thankfully rather than come in. No one else was there to see him in this state.

Time ticked by slowly and he tried to amuse himself with a magazine but tossed it back onto the table after a few pages. Women's Weekly wasn't exactly his cup of tea and there wasn't any other suitable reading material for guys. The tv had on some stupid talk show and as he waited he grew annoyed they didn't have any decent reading. It would have been something to keep his mind off things…

With no other choice, he grabbed his phone out and absentmindedly began flicking through Facebook. With keeping his page private and the fact he wasn't on there much, he didn't have much of a feed to look at. It was something though. Something to distract him.

A smile came to his face as he came across a photo Stella had shared a couple days ago. It was of his three kids, taken back at his birthday party. After adding a short message to her post he kept scrolling, hoping he wouldn't need to wait much longer.

'Cordell Walker?'

He looked up as the doctor called his name, returning his phone to his pocket as he stood. Andrew smiled at him and showed him up the hallway to his office, an office he'd frequented many times over the years.

'Thank you for coming in on such short notice.' Andrew started, closing the door behind them and motioned to a chair at his desk. 'I want to introduce you to a colleague of mine, Geoff Paterson.'

'Pleasure sir.' Cordell replied, shaking his hand before he sat.

'Likewise.' He replied politely.

'Geoff is a neurologist over at St. John's hospital.' Andrew explained as he took his seat. 'When I received Maddie's scans through I sent them over to him for a second opinion.'

He nodded. 'What-what are we looking at?'

'I'll get right to the point, I'm afraid it's not good news, Mr. Walker.' Geoff started as gently as he could while still being direct and to the point. 'Your daughter has a malignant brain tumor.'

It took a few moments for what he said to register, Cordell having to take a second to find his voice. 'Brain… Brain tumor? You mean… My-my little girl… has cancer?'

He nodded soberly. 'I'm sorry Mr. Walker, I know it's not a diagnosis any parent ever wants to hear about their child.'

Cordell struggled to keep his voice even. 'It-It's serious?'

'Maddie has stage four glioblastoma.'

Oh God… He ran a hand over his face, forcing himself to keep it together. 'What… what-what can you do? What treatment is there?'

'Surgery. Radiation, chemotherapy.' Geoff replied. 'I must tell you though, it is not a cure. At most, treatment may give her an extra twelve to eighteen months.'

Maddie was going to die?

'And-and with-without it?' He asked, his voice breaking.

'Six months, at the most. I'm sorry.' The neurologist apologized. 'I wish I had better news for you.'

Cordell was hardly aware of what they said during the rest of the appointment, his thoughts stuck on the fact Maddie had a brain tumor. That Maddie was going to die and that it wasn't a matter of if but rather, when.

When he finally was able to step out of the office, it felt like his entire world had come crashing down.

Brain tumor…

His little girl had a brain tumor.

The words the doctor had spoken played over and over in his mind as he made his way to the car park where Cassie was waiting for him. He was in disbelief that his daughter, seemingly so healthy, had only six months to live without treatment. He couldn't believe it yet he'd seen the scans for himself. Saw the tumor that was threatening to take his daughter's life sooner if they didn't act quickly. He didn't want to believe it, hoped it was just a nightmare he could wake from yet at the same time knew it was devastatingly real.

Maddie was dying.

Somehow he managed to make it through the car park and found Cassie's vehicle, his partner glancing up from her phone as he climbed into the passenger seat.

'How'd it go?'

Cordell didn't answer, shaking his head as he looked out the window, his eyes watering.

'Walker…' She started softly. 'What is it? What's wrong? Talk to me.'

'Maddie…' He paused, still refusing to look at her. 'Maddie has-has a brain tumor.' His voice cracked slightly and he had to force back the emotions threatening to consume him. 'It-its not good… Cassie.'

Cassie didn't know what to say. 'Walker… I'm so sorry.'

He nodded, still looking out the window.

'What do you need me to do?' She questioned softly after a moment.

'Take-take me home. I need… need to tell Maddie.' Cordell replied, running a hand over his face. 'Oh God…' His voice broke as Cassie started the engine, driving out of the car park. 'Maddie…'

Cassie looked over at her partner sympathetically, wishing there was something she could do. There was nothing. What could she do? What could she say? Nothing…

The drive back to the Walkers' new residence passed by in silence until Cassie finally spoke when they pulled up outside. 'Walker… Anything you need, anything, call. I will be here.'

Cordell nodded, swallowing back the lump in his throat. 'Thank you… Cassie.'

'Anything.' She reaffirmed. 'You've had my back partner, now I'll have yours.'

He nodded again. 'Can-can you tell James I-I'm going to need to have… the rest of the afternoon off? I-I have… have to speak to Maddie…'

'Of course.'

'Thank-thank you.'

Cordell got out of her land rover and made his way up to the front door, Cassie only leaving once he was inside. Oh God… How was he going to tell Maddie? How could he tell her she was dying?

'Cordell-' Abeline exclaimed with surprise, walking by with a basket of laundry. 'You're home early.'

'Ma….'

At the tone of his voice, Abeline placed the basket down on the table and approached him. 'Cordell?' She asked gently. 'What's wrong?'

'It-its Maddie Ma.' He managed to get out as his voice broke. 'C-can we sit?'

She nodded, the two of them heading into the living room to sit on the couch. Her son rested his elbows on his knees, his chin resting on his hands and though she hesitated for a moment, she placed her hand on his back. 'Cordell?'

'Uh… I had-had a call from Dr. Jacob's office earlier… asking me to go in to see him…' He started, struggling to keep his voice from breaking. 'And uh… when I got there, there was another doctor with him… A-a neurologist…' He paused for a moment then looked at Abeline, tears in his eyes. 'Maddie… Maddie has… Maddie has a brain tumor.'

Oh God no… 'How-how serious is it?' She asked softly, still with her hand on his back.

'It-it's not good…' He swallowed hard, looking back down at his hands. 'With-without treatment… she-she's got six months… at the most.' He was struggling, really struggling to keep it together as the tears pooled in his eyes. 'With treatment… twelve to eighteen months.'

It took a moment for what Cordell had said to sink in, Abeline remaining silent in disbelief.

'The-the chances… of her beating it-' He continued. 'Are slim to none…' He paused again, tears finally slipping down his cheeks.

'She-she's dying, Mama. My… my little girl… And I-I gotta tell her. Somehow. How-how do I tell her?' His voice broke. 'I can't lose her too…'

'Oh Cordell…' She had no words for him, taking him in her arms as he broke down. No… not Maddie… Her mind begged, tears coming to her own eyes as she tried to comfort her son. What could she say though? There was nothing that would make this better.

When Cordell finally got a hold of his emotions again, he drew back, Abeline placing her hand on his. 'Where… where is Maddie?'

'She's with Bon, he took her over to the stables to see her horses.' She replied softly. 'What happens now?'

'I-I got to tell her…' He swallowed back the lump in his throat. 'She-she needs… to know… We ah… Dr. Jacob set up an appointment with… with a neurosurgeon for Monday and-and go from there.'

'We… we need to tell Liam and the kids.' Abeline said after a pause. 'They should know.'

Cordell nodded, rubbing his eyes. 'If-if it's what Maddie wants…'

They sat for a moment in silence then at the sound of a truck pulling into the drive, Abeline glanced out the window. 'They're back.'

Quickly Cordell pulled himself together again, wiping the last of the tears off his cheeks. 'I-I think I'll take her to the park…' He remarked as he stood, placing his hat on his head once more. 'She-she loves feeding the ducks…'

Abeline got up too, placing a hand on his arm. 'Are you sure you can do this on your own?'

He nodded, swallowing back the lump in his throat again. 'I-I have to… Mama.'

The door opened, Bonham and Maddie coming into the house. 'Well, hello there Cordell.' He remarked upon seeing his son. 'Didn't expect you home this early.'

'Yeah… yeah… Finished up a case early so James let me have the afternoon off.' He replied, Maddie coming over to give him a hug. 'Hey baby girl.'

She smiled up at him. 'Hey Dad. You have a good day?'

'It was okay.' Cordell lied again, his heart breaking as he held his baby girl a moment longer than Maddie stepped back. 'How-how would you like an afternoon with me? Just the two of us? Now.'

'Now?' She chuckled softly, glancing at Abeline for a moment then back to her father. 'Some special occasion I don't know about?'

'Well, your birthday isn't until next weekend… But hey, no reason we can't have a little celebratory ice cream early.'

'Sure.' Maddie agreed. 'Where are we going to go though?'

'That park you like so much, with the ducks? You could feed them while we're there.'

'Sounds great. We going now then?'

He nodded. 'Let me just go find my keys…'

Cordell left the room, heading up to his room for a moment. With the door closed behind him he took a deep breath, tears coming to his eyes again. How could he tell her? How could he break it to her that she had cancer? That the chances of her surviving it were close to non-existent?

How could he tell her she was going to die?

'Here ducky ducky…' Maddie called softly, holding her hand out towards a large drake as he eyed off the pellets in her hand. 'Come on… I know you want it…'

The duck eyed her suspiciously for a moment but then hunger won over reason and he came to snatch a mouthful. She grinned as he ate from her hand, giggling softly at how his bill tickled her hand. 'There you go. I'm not so scary, am I?'

A couple more ducks came up from the pond, Maddie pouring more pellets into her hand to feed them. As they are she glanced back at her father, Cordell sitting on a park bench not far behind her. He had his phone out and she guessed he was taking a video, her attention diverting back to the 'starving' ducks.

Her father had been acting a little weird all afternoon and she didn't quite know what to make of it. He was quiet, more so than usual and it was like he had something on his mind he wanted to speak about but then would decide against it. As the ducks kept eating she glanced back at him again and this time his phone was away. He looked troubled, like something was weighing on his mind.

When the paper bag of pellets was empty she stood, making her way back over to where her father sat. 'Taking videos of me again hey?' She remarked as she sat down beside him, the ducks waddling over in hopes she had more to give them.

'Yeah…' He chuckled as the ducks crowded around them. 'You've done it now my girl, they think you've got more for 'em.'

Maddie grabbed the paper bag out of her pocket, showing them it was empty. 'Sorry guys, it's definitely empty. Go find some other people to beg from.'

'Look mommy!' A little boy walking past with his mom shouted. 'Duckies!'

She smiled as the ducks waddled off again, the mother and little boy having some pellets to feed them too. 'Good timing, they'll leave us alone now.' She remarked with a chuckle, watching the mother show her son how to feed the ducks for a moment. Her father didn't make any comment and she glanced up at him after a time. 'Dad, something wrong? You've been acting weird since we got here…'

Cordell looked at her after a moment and nodded. 'I-I need to talk to you about something, Maddie.'

'Okay…'

'I uh… had… a phone call earlier.' He started, looking back out over the pond again. 'From Dr. Jacob's office… About your test results.'

Maddie squirmed slightly at hearing that. 'That was quick.' She remarked with a slight touch of worry in her voice. 'There's something wrong with me, isn't there?'

Cordell nodded. 'They ah… the scans… they found something in your brain.'

'Oh no…' She breathed out slowly, letting it sink in for a moment. No wonder he had been acting off… 'It-It's cancer…' She started, looking at him. 'Isn't it?'

He nodded again. 'It-its called a glioblastoma. It's causing pressure inside your brain… that's why you've been having headaches.'

'And the seizure? It caused that too?'

'That's what they say.'

Maddie looked back down at her hands, a numbness coming over her like when she knew she had to put Skylar down. It was like a switch inside her brain was flipped, turning off her emotions and replacing them with rationality. She had heard what he said, understood it too but she was just numb. 'What can they do?'

'Ah…' Cordell took a deep breath, surprised how calmly Maddie appeared to be taking the news so far. 'They can operate. Remove as much of the tumor as they can. After that, chemo. Radiation.'

She nodded, taking a moment to think it over before looking up at him again. 'And my chances? Of actually beating this?'

'They-they're…'

'Dad…' Maddie said gently as his voice trailed off and she knew he was trying to think of a kind way to break it to her. 'I'm not a child. I can handle the truth.'

Cordell turned to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. 'Three percent. Three percent of patients survive.'

Three percent… She swallowed hard. 'Guess we'll just have to focus on that three percent then hey?' She forced a smile onto her lips, placing her hand on top of her fathers. 'Dad… I'm gonna be okay.'

'Oh Maddie…'

She wrapped her arms around him tight, Cordell holding her against his chest, his face buried in her hair. Tears started in her eyes and she swallowed back the lump in her throat, closing her eyes. Her father needed her to be strong. If she broke down she knew he would too.

She knew without him saying it that she was dying.

Three percent survived.

That was ninety seven that didn't.

Those odds weren't at all comforting.

She held her father tight, gaining strength from his loving arms. She knew it was going to hit her later and when it finally sank in it wasn't going to be pretty. Right now though, her concern wasn't for herself. It was for Cordell.

Finally he let her go and when she looked up at him there were tears rolling down his cheeks. 'Don't cry Daddy…' She reached up to wipe them away. 'You're gonna make me cry too.'

'Baby girl…' His voice broke as he caressed her cheek with his calloused hand.

'It's gonna be okay.' She reassured him with more confidence than she felt. 'We're gonna make it through this.'

Cordell could feel a fresh bout of tears coming and forced them back, swallowing hard. 'I-I'm so sorry… You-you had to know though…'

'Dad, it's okay.' She assured him again. 'I'm glad it was you who told me and not some random stranger.' She felt his thumb rub her cheek gently and forced back the rising lump in her throat. 'What… What happens now?'

'You have an appointment on Monday with the neurologist and neurosurgeon.' Cordell replied after a pause, his hand moving down to her shoulder. 'They'll walk us through what can be done and we'll take it from there.'

Maddie nodded then looked away for a moment to gather her thoughts. 'We-we going to tell them? Tell the family?'

'I… I wanted you to make the decision.'

'Well, not like they aren't going to notice if I have surgery…' She let out a long sigh. 'We have to be honest with them. This family has kept enough secrets.'

Cordell looked at his daughter in disbelief, unable to comprehend how sensible and level-headed she was being about this whole thing. Seeing that she was more concerned about him and the family just made it even harder. 'How-how can you be so calm?'

'Oh, it'll hit me soon enough.' She said with a hollow laugh. 'Don't worry. Probably at two in the morning. You'll know for sure when it does.'

Silence fell again, Maddie biting furiously at her cuticles as they looked out over the pond. 'If-if I don't have treatment, how long have I got?' She questioned after a time.

'Six… six months.'

She nodded, filing away that bit of information. 'And if I do? Worst case scenario that I'm not part of that three percent?'

Cordell had to swallow back the lump in his throat again before he answered. 'Twelve-twelve to eighteen months.'

'That's a lot of living to be done in a short time.' Maddie finally said when she spoke again. 'Guess I can take that old Tim McGraw song bout living like you were dying literally now.'

He didn't know how to reply to that.

Dying.

Three percent…

Silence fell again and when she finally spoke once more, her voice cracked with emotion. 'We… we're gonna get through this Dad…'

Cordell stroked her cheek again, his eyes watering as he brushed away the tears rolling down her face. 'I know… Baby girl…' He took her in his arms once more, holding her tight. 'We… we're gonna make it.'