The tiny bit of hope shed clung to when she saw the scan in the folder died in that moment. She felt it happen. It was like heartbreak with a side of fear. Right away, she thought of Paigeof her daring daughter and the plans theyd made even as recently as this morning. Then, beyond that, another thought speared through her already-breaking heart.

Paige without a mother. My daughter is going to have to experience grief far too early in her life and…

No. She wouldnt think such things. Not yet.

What about an operation? Rachel asked. Surgery?

GMBs are notoriously difficult to remove. There are surgeries, but with the size of this one, I can almost promise you that even if we could remove it, the surgery would kill you.

Is there any hope? she asked, her voice riding a wave somewhere between anger and sorrow. Her mind kept going back to how her death would affect Paige. Sure, there was Peter, too, but at least hed experienced loss before when his mother died four years ago. But this…to leave a child motherless…

Well, there are other specialists you can see, Dr. Greene said. Doctors that specialize in trying to extend the lives of those with GMBs, for instance. There is, as I mentioned, chemo. And while the success rate with GMBs is incredibly low, I am never willing to one hundred percent rule anything out.

Rachel nodded, doing her best to stay sane and rational. So how long? she asked, trying not to break down and cry in front of him.

The best you can hope for is a year and a half. It could be less, though. Maybe a year. I can give maybe a more accurate timeline with some more scans.

The tears came then, but she still managed not to start sobbing.

Im very sorry, Greene said, and she felt that he meant it. Is there anyone you can call that can help you process this?

She nodded, wiping the tears away. My husband. He can…but…but, he…

I am not telling you what to do, Mrs. Gift. But I would call him. Have him come pick you up. Youre welcome to use my office or one of our patient rooms to process through it and discuss next steps.

No. Ill call him, I just…need a second. Can I have this room for a bit?

Of course. Please let me or my nurses know if there is anything we can do.