Page 100 of Risks

“There you are!” Grandpa hurriestoward us as we emerge from the trees. He appears troubled. “Danny’s beencalling.”

“We don’t have our phones,” I explain.“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Ali,” he rasps, concernbreaking his voice. “She collapsed at work. They’re running tests, but…”

“But what, Grandpa?” I tighten mygrip on Toya’s hand.

“Danny said her symptoms are likeyour mom’s.” He doesn’t have to go into detail.

It’s clear.

They suspect my sister may have alife-threatening illness.

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Daniel told us to wait for theresults, that he only wanted to inform us of what happened. But there was noway we could stay in Scotland after hearing about Alison, so we caught an earlymorning flight back to the States.

Varen hasn’t relaxed since GrandpaKirby told us she’d fainted. From his uneasiness, I feel his mind is back to thetime of his mom’s sickness and what she went through. I just pray it isn’t thesame for Alison.

It’s evening by the time we arrivein New York. We request a car to Alison’s apartment in Manhattan.

Daniel answers the door with agloomy expression, immediately throwing his arms around Varen. He embraces meafterward, and we enter the living area.

“Have you heard anything?” Varenasks.

Daniel turns his head once. “Notyet.” He drags his hand over his graying hair. “It’s so unnerving.”

“How is Alison?” I ask.

“Tired. She just went to lie down.”He clicks his tongue. “I wish she’d told us that she was feeling sick. Sheknows better, especially after her mom...”

“But that is just like Ali,” Varenmutters. “She never wants to worry us.”

“Hm.”

“Is my mom with you?” I ask him.

He harrumphs. “Uh, her doctor toldher to rest and keep stress as low as possible. So she’s back home.”

I crumple my brows. “Why? What’swrong with her?”

A smile manages to pierce throughthe worry on his face. “Lisa’s pregnant.”

“She is,” I murmur, my heart fillingwith joy over the good news. “Congratulations.” I embrace him again.

They were so distraught after themiscarriage. It’s great that they got a second chance.

“We found out a few days ago,”Daniel says when we part. “She wanted to wait to tell everyone, but...”

“I’m happy for you guys,” Varen says,hugging his dad. “It really is awesome news.”

Varen and I look at each other as ifhaving the same thought. Considering the situation, we haven’t brought up theengagement since his heart-melting proposal.

“Um, Toya and I—”

“You cut your trip,” Alison groans,drawing our attention. She continues into the living area, seeming pale andexhausted. “Geez, Dad.”

“Ali.” Varen hurries over, hugginghis sister before helping her to the sofa. He sits beside her.

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