And then, before she was fully aware of what she was doing, she was kissing him. It was tender and slow, and a few tears escaped. But Peter didnt sense the tears, only the emotion. And when she urged it on further, he did not object. They made love, slow and intentional, that was over in a quick moment of passion. Even when he noticed the bandage on her arm and tried to ask her about it, she silenced him with kisses. It wasnt the sex that Rachel needed, but the intimacy of itto feel close to him.

When it was over, any chance that she might tell him about the tumor was gone. Somehow, it was the exact opposite of that now. Now, she figured they needed to have a discussion about why not having another child would be the best thing right now. It turned out that Jacks assumption had been right: the case had made a daunting situation with the tumor even more dauting for things at home. Currently, the idea of even trying to have another child made her mind and heart feel heavy.

They both fell asleep peacefully side by side and Rachel did not wake up until the sun crept in through the bedroom blinds.

She could just barely hear Paiges voice coming up from downstairs. Paige sounded as cheerful and as bright as she usually did and it made Rachel want to get out of bed and downstairs as quickly as possible. She slid out of bed and went to the bathroom where she redressed the bandages on her arm. She brushed her teeth and dressed quickly, wanting to make sure she was able to see Paige and Peter together before he stepped out to go to work.

Paige shrieked when she saw her mother enter the kitchen. She got up from the barstool where she was eating at the counter and ran to Rachel, giving her one of her intense hugs. When she saw the bandage on her mothers arm, she jumped back a bit, her eyes wide with alarm.

Are you okay? she asked, gasping.

Yes, sweetie, Im fine.

Looking into Paiges face, she started to imagine how she might tell her family about her diagnosis. It wouldnt be so hard with Peter, but how in the hell did you explain to a six year old that there was a tumor in mommys head that was very likely going to kill her?

Do I really have to go to school today? she asked. I want to stay here with you!

Oh, shes already tried that on me, Peter said. No maam. Come on. We need to leave in about five minutes.

I promise, Rachel said, you and I will spend some time together this evening and do something special, okay?

Okay, Paige said, hugging her again.