Page 4 of Embrace Me Forever

“Say nothing,” a gruff, distorted voice orders before I can even greet him.

Sebastian always joked that he was as rich as the Count of Monte Cristo—his chosen gamer tag. I’d laughed then, but now, I’m not sure it was just a joke.

“Hang up and answer my video call,” he continues.

I follow his instructions.

While he can see me at the other end, my screen remains dark as his next command comes through. “State your desired name.”

“Georgia-May—” I pause, letting go of the notion of taking Sebastian’s surname for my own safety. “Georgia-May Williams.” Saying it aloud cements the new reality I’m stepping into.

“Trafalgar Square. Day after tomorrow. Noon, sharp.” His words are crisp and unyielding. “Destroy this phone. I’ll find you.”

Desperation forces me to trust the voice behind a name I once knew from carefree gaming sessions. Those joyful days are gone. Now, my thoughts cling to Sebastian. Whatever it takes, I have to honor his sacrifice and forge a new path for our unborn child.

1

GEORGIA-MAY WILLIAMS

Colorado, USA – present time

Two years of living as Georgia-May has been a struggle, but it’s also brought me the greatest gift. My daughter, Coco-Rae. In a perfect world, we’d share the Langford name. But my spur-of-the-moment choice of Williams—my high school math teacher’s name and one of the most common surnames in America—gives me the anonymity I need.

The pain of losing Sebastian never fades. I wish he were here to watch our daughter grow and, selfishly, to help me through this. All I can do now is hold on to the love we shared and pour it into raising Coco.

“Ms. Williams?”

The voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Yes, that’s me,” I reply.

“Please, come in.” The doctor at Colorado Springs Children’s Hospital gestures toward his office. His calm demeanor does little to soothe the anxiety tightening in my chest.

We sit across from each other with a polished oak desk between us, Coco cradled in my lap. We exchange the usual pleasantries. How Coco’s been feeling, her energy levels, herappetite. I try to stay focused, but my mind is already bracing for the worst.

Then, it happens. The doctor’s expression shifts, his eyes softening with compassion and regret. “I’m sorry, but the tests show the tumor has returned.”

The room spins. For a moment, I can’t breathe, can’t think.

I hold Coco tighter. My girl has been so brave and patient. At just eighteen months, she’s endured more pain than any child should ever face. She beat the tumor once before she turned one. Her resilience amazes me, filling me with pride and deep, aching sorrow. I know she can handle this, but I’m not sure if I can. The thought of watching her suffer again shatters my psyche.

“How—how bad is it?” I try to steady my voice.

He takes a deep breath and then explains, “The tumor has advanced more rapidly than anticipated, but it’s still manageable. Immediate intervention is crucial, so another surgery is our best course of action at this point.”

“Okay. Whatever it takes,” I say, smoothing Coco’s sweat-drenched hair.

“We can arrange a payment plan similar to last time,” the doctor offers.

Last time, I had savings. Now, no payment plan will save me, and my casual work at the University of Colorado barely scratches the surface of what’s needed.

“Sure,” I reply.

“However, I need to inform you that the fees have increased. My fees remain unchanged, but the hospital’s charges have gone up, and they now require a higher down payment. Have you taken insurance coverage this time?” He knows I didn’t the last time, and it cost me.

But the mention of insurance sends a chill down my spine. Not that I can afford that, either. “No,” I admit.

“I’ll speak to management, see if we can extend the repayment terms.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

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