Free Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

growing more crowded by the second, with Libby coming now, half-awake, hanging by the door frame. One of the teens had ushered the kids into the family room. Stephanie could hear the sound of cartoons in the distance.
    Dr. Reynolds took papers out of a briefcase and set them on the table. Everyone quieted as he cleared his throat and looked at Grandma Geri. “Geraldine, I’ve known you for more than forty years. Many in this kitchen have been under my care at one time or another. And of course, I had the privilege of taking care of your beloved Elwood up until he passed, rest his soul.”
    Stephanie was practically holding her breath. What was this buildup about?
    He continued. “We have a history that binds us, and I feel part of the Sanders family. So I want you to know I would not come here on Christmas Eve with this news if I didn’t think it absolutely necessary.”
    â€œI know that, Grayson.” Grandma Geri sat a little straighter. “Go on.”
    Dr. Reynolds took note of the faces surrounding them. “Are you sure you don’t want to discuss this privately first, then call everyone in?”
    â€œI’m sure,” she said.
    â€œI’ll keep it as simple as I can. Dr. Peters called me earlier this morning with the results of the biopsy, and I asked that I be the one to share it with you.” His mouth seemed dry. He kept licking his lips. “Geraldine, you have lung cancer.”
    A flurry of gasps sounded around the room.
    â€œAnd it’s what we call non-small cell lung cancer.”
    â€œHave mercy . . .” Aunt Gladys picked up a New Jerusalem fan from the table and swished it before her face.
    â€œLung cancer?” Stephanie whispered it to Lindell. “I don’t remember my grandmother smoking.”
    â€œDoesn’t have to come from smoking,” he whispered back. “But what about your grandfather?”
    Stephanie shrugged. She barely remembered him. She was in her early teens when he died.
    â€œI’m confused.” Aunt Estelle regarded her mother. “We knew you hadn’t been feeling well with the coughing and fatigue, but why didn’t we know about the biopsy? Who took you?”
    â€œI took myself.” Grandma Geri seemed insulted that she’d presume otherwise. “Contrary to what y’all seem to think, I don’t mind going to the doctor. I just didn’t want everybody knowing I went ’cause you’d worry me to death until I got the results.”
    Dr. Reynolds added, “From there, I ordered a chest X-ray, which led to the biopsy.”
    â€œMomma, you still should’ve told us,” Aunt Gladys said. “But thank God you went when you did.”
    Uncle Wood leaned forward. “How serious is it, Doc? And how soon will she undergo surgery?”
    Dr. Reynolds looked him in the eye. “Very serious. Stage four. The cancer has already begun to spread, and the reality is it’s inoperable.” He sighed. “Geraldine, you’ll receive palliative care, as Elwood did.”
    Stephanie leaned her head over to Lindell again. “What does that mean?”
    Lindell’s sigh was sad. “Means they’ll try to ease the pain and extend her life as long as they can.”
    â€œSo chemotherapy, then?” Grandma Geri asked. “Like you did with Elwood?”
    Dr. Reynolds nodded. “Yes, chemotherapy. With the hope that it will lessen the symptoms and enable you to live well for as long as possible.”
    Stephanie looked at her husband. Sometimes she was surprised he actually knew what he was talking about.
    â€œAs long as possible?” Worry lined Aunt Estelle’s face.
    â€œWhat’s the bottom line, Doc?” Uncle Wood asked. “How long can she expect to live?”
    â€œWood, there’s no way to say with certainty,” the doctor said. “Everyone responds to chemo differently.”
    â€œDaddy passed pretty quickly