That night when Trudy was in bed Marsha told Dwight about her conversation with Heather.
"Sounds like she needs a lesson on compassion," Dwight said.
"You are so right," Marsha replied.
"But I'm sure she didn't mean any harm," he added.
Marsha paused
"I understand that," she said, "But hitting is not okay. I mean my parents didn't even hit me and they were old school."
"My parents never even yelled at me," Dwight said, "But I got in trouble a lot. My parents never liked to discipline me because their parents abused them. But I think I spent all four years of high school grounded."
"Do you remember when we got grounded from going to prom," Marsha asked laughing.
Dwight nodded.
"It was only five years ago," he said laughing.
"It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to us," Marsha smiled.
"No," Dwight disagreed, "Trudy was the best thing that ever happened to us."
"Trudy's not a 'thing'," Marsha point out laughing
The next day was chemo/treatment day. Trudy was excited to see Angela there.
"Mr. and Mrs. Ellison," the receptionist said, "Trudy's doctor will be Dr. Blue from now on."
"What happened to Dr. Piccare?" Marsha asked.
"Unfortunately, Dr. Piccare passed away," the receptionist explained.
"How did he die?" Dwight asked quietly.
The receptionist paused.
"It was a car accident," she said.
Dwight and Marsha both heaved a sigh of relief. He didn't die of something contagious that Trudy could have picked up.
Dr. Blue came out and announced it was time for Trudy's chemo and treatment.
"Where's Dr. Piccare," Trudy asked.
Dwight knelt down to Trudy's level.
"He's in heaven sweetie," he said.
"You believe in that nonsense?"
"What nonsense," Marsha asked the woman who spoke, "Also who the hell are you?"
"My name is Jessica," the woman said as Trudy and Dwight went into the treatment room.
"Congratulations," Marsha said sarcastically, "Now what 'nonsense' were you talking about?"
"There's no such thing as heaven or an afterlife. When you die that's just it. Anything else makes no sense and the sooner kids learn that the better."
"You can believe whatever you want," Marsha said, "But you have no right saying that around a 3-year-old with leukemia-"
"If GOD existed why did He give her leukemia," Jessica challenged.
"I'm not having this debate with you. My daughter has leukemia, and I will not have you talk about this and scare her."
"According to the first amendment I have freedom of speech," Jessica pointed out.
"Lady what is wrong with you," Marsha asked.
"Brain cancer," Jessica replied, "Either there is no GOD or GOD hates me, so I prefer to believe there's no GOD."\
"I'm sorry you're sick," Marsha said, "I'm assuming you were different before you got sick?"
Jessica nodded.
"GOD doesn't hate you," Marsha said, "And He does exist."
"You're the mother of a dying child," Jessica pointed out, "How can you be so confident?"
"Trust me. I know."
"Jessica?" a doctor stuck her head out, "It's time for your chemo."
Jessica looked at Marsha.
"I hope your daughter gets better," she said as she went into the other room.
By the time Marsha got in Trudy's treatment had just finished.
"I'll let her sleep awhile," Dr. Blue said, "She has such a great attitude."
"Thank you," Marsha replied.
"I have the results of her latest blood tests," Dr. Blue said, "Why don't you both sit down."
"What's going on," Dwight asked.
"It seems that Trudy has anemia caused by her leukemia. She's going to need a blood transfusion. We're also going to have to remove her spleen. Bone Marrow Transplant may or may not be needed."
"Is it safe to remove her spleen," Marsha asked.
"The operation is fairly simple and practically painless," Dr. Blue said, "We're going to need to test your blood to see if you are a match for her in case she needs a bone marrow transplant."
"When does the surgery and blood transfusion need to happen," Dwight asked.
"We'll do the blood transfusion today," Dr. Blue said, "Do you know her blood type?"
"It's the same as mine," Dwight said, "I'm A+ and Trudy is A+"
"Come with me," Dr. Blue said, "I'll get your blood for the donation."
Fifteen minutes later 5 bagful's of blood was taken. The bags were put in through the PICCline and Trudy slept through the entire transfusion. After the transfusion Dr. Blue woke her up.
"Daddy," Trudy said noticing the band-aid on Dwight's arm, "Did you get a boo-boo?"
"Daddy had to have blood taken to give you some of his," Dr. Blue explained.
"Do I still have akemia?" Trudy asked.
"You do," Marsha said stroking Trudy's hair, "And actually you are going to have to have a teeny tiny surgery, but Dr. Blue is working really hard to get you better."
"Thank you Dr. Blue," Trudy said, "Mommy what does surgery mean?"
"There's something wrong inside of you," Dr. Blue explained, "So we're going inside to fix it and make it better."
"Is that gonna hurt," Trudy asked.
"No," Dr. Blue promised, "You'll be asleep and then you'll have medicine to make it not hurt"
"When do I need the surgery," Trudy asked.
"We'll do it on Wednesday morning," Dr. Blue said, "That way you'll be able to go home that night."
The next day was Saturday. Billy called Dwight early that morning.
"Hi Billy," Dwight said.
Billy sounded like he was in tears.
"I have to cancel today," he said, "I'll reschedule I promise."
"Why?" Dwight asked, "What happened."
"My son died about 20 minutes ago," Billy sobbed.