Page 4 of Too Far To Sea
“I’ll be home for Gracie and Mom’s birthday, as well as Halloween, this year.” He didn’t mention his next contract would begin before Christmas.
“You better. We miss you.” Jen’s voice softened. “And so does Mom. She hasn’t been herself lately.”
McKay’s brow creased. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing serious,” Jen said quickly. “She just seems tired. She had a doctor appointment today to go over her PET scan. You know how she is about her cancer checkups. Wouldn’t let me drive her, but had the Uber here an hour early.”
McKay nodded. His mother had beaten cancer once before. Doctor appointments made her nervous. “I’ll call her as soon as we hang up.”
“Thanks. Love you.” Jen waved.
McKay ended the call and stared out at the sea. Worry gnawed at his thoughts.
A couple with arms wrapped around each other walked along the deck, slowing to kiss every few steps. McKay watched them long enough to determine that neither seemed incapacitated before exiting the deck through the nearest crew door and making his way below.
As an officer, he had a small but private room, so he never had to worry about what a roommate might be doing like most of the crew did. While his mother didn’t need hearing aids, the background noise of the sea and wind made it difficult for her to hear, and he preferred the privacy of his room for the conversations potentially discussing her health.
Mom picked up on the second ring. She uncharacteristically left her video off.
McKay forced a smile, knowing his mother could still see him. “Hey mom. How are you?”
There was a pause, and then she whispered. “The cancer’s back.”
The words hit with the force of a tsunami. He sank down heavily into his desk chair. “What? No, that can’t be right. There must be some mistake?—”
“No mistake,” she said gently. “He thinks with chemo, I might have another year.”
So little time. McKay struggled too keep his voice even. “When do you start?”
“I need a few more tests. You know how doctors are. Probably in a couple of weeks.”
“What is the prognosis if you don’t do chemo?”
“Before Christmas.”
Less than six months. The realization hit McKay like a punch to the gut. He would be at sea half of that time.
“I wish it were different, but we knew this was a possibility.” A quiet strength resonated in her voice.
Struggling to hold back his emotions, McKay asked, “Does Jen know?”
“Not yet. I’m not sure how to tell her. Gracie’s summer activities and her job are pushing her to her limit.”
“Let me talk to the cruise line and see what I can work out. I’m coming home as soon as I can.”
“Don’t you dare break your contract.” His mother’s voice held a resolve missing earlier in the conversation. “Not until I know my options.”
“What if I ask about my options? I am two-thirds of the way through this contract. And I’ve been with them for five years. I am sure I can work something out.”
“It is summer, you know it is busy season.”
“This is only a job. You are more important.” Tears welled up in McKay’s eyes. He had experienced the pain of being away from his family when his father passed, unable to get home in time. He refused to let history repeat itself. He would be there for his mother.
3
The flight attendantcleared Dana’s dinner tray. Brit and Simone had been correct about the flight. It had been worth the embarrassment of being pushed in a wheelchair to get on board. She’d only seen her mother for a few minutes, long enough to reassure her she’d be off the crutches before the wedding. During their video call yesterday, Cheyanne had been more amused than upset by Dana’s need for crutches. Losing a soccer game to a three-year-old and a gopher hole was funny, almost… The stuffed prairie dog left anonymously, with building security’s help, was cute. It would be a long time before she lived her accident down.
“Here is your ice bag.” The flight attendant handed her one on a tray.
