Page 101 of Risks

“Dad, I told you not to troubleanyone. I’m fine.”

“You don’t know that,” Danielargues. “Your symptoms… We have to be sure.” He clicks his tongue and walksover to the windows.

Manhattan is well-lit and vibrant, athrilling cityscape pulling you to its nightlife.

I settle on the other side of Alison.“How are you feeling? You need anything?”

“I’m all right.” She smiles at me.“What do you think of the place? The other bedroom is bland. We’ll go shopping fordecor.”

“Don’t think about that now.”

“Your internship starts in a fewdays,” she points out. “Are you nervous? My firm appointed a driver, so youdon’t have to worry about getting around. I’ll ask him to drive you places.”

“Stop avoiding,” Varen grits. “Howlong have you been feeling sick?”

Daniel turns from the window andlooks at her.

Alison presses her eyes shut, takingdeep breaths before opening them. “It’s been a few weeks. Maybe more. I’msorry. I didn’t want to give it attention because….”

“You’re scared,” I remark and holdher hand.

She nods, eyes watering. “I don’twant to be sick. I don’t want to end up like Mom. Going through treatments,losing strength, withering, and then….” She doesn’t need to finish.

Varen drapes his arm around his bigsister, attempting to comfort her the best way he knows how.

“We’ll hear about the results in themorning,” Daniel says. “Let’s try to stay positive.”

“Um, I’ll make something to eat,” Ioffer. “Mind if I go through your kitchen?”

Alison snorts. “Not at all. We’ll besharing it for the summer. I had groceries delivered, so there should beoptions.”

“Okay.”

Varen straightens when I do, saying,“I’ll help.”

We leave Daniel and Alison in theliving area, and I admire the place on the way to the sizable kitchen. Mystepsister has scored a fabulous industrial-style apartment with exposed bricksand modern features.

I’m about to check the pantry whenVaren hauls me into him and holds me tightly. I hear his quiet sobs soon after.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, rubbing hisback as he quivers against me. “I know you’re scared. But we don’t know.”

“I can’t…” His voice breaks. “Ican’t go through it again. I can’t lose my sister too.”

“You won’t.”And I pray to Godthat I’m right.

45

Footsteps on the stairs startle meawake. They’re followed by knocking on the door. “Varen.”

Toya pops her head up from myshoulder.

My heart pounds faster with fear as Ihurry from the bed to open the door.

The look on Dad’s face settles mynerves before the words leave his mouth. “I heard from the doctor. Nothing threateningcame up in the results. Ali’s just been pushing herself too hard. Exhaustion.”

“Geez.” Tension finally leaves myshoulders. “That’s a relief. Stress is still bad, but at least it’s not theother thing.”

He pats my arm. “I’ll give yoursister an earful, then take you all to breakfast.”

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