Chapter 192: Countdown to Heartache

Sierra was sharp enough to sense something was amiss. When Oscar realized he could no longer keep it a secret, he told her the truth about Lily’s real condition. In that moment, Sierra felt as if the sky had fallen; she couldn't accept this reality.

“How could this be? I’ve already developed the medication; it was supposed to cure Grandma,” she said, her voice strained. “Why does it have to be cancer, and why has it spread? I’m really sorry.”

Oscar was visibly distressed. Lily didn’t just have any cancer; she had lymphoma, a tough one to beat. Initially, because she was uncared for, her skin deteriorated, mistaken at first for bedsores, before they realized something was seriously wrong. By the time he took a sample for testing, it was already cancer. Lymphoma spreads fast, and despite using the best medications available, he couldn’t contain it; there weren’t currently any drugs specifically for this type of lymphoma.

“No! I don’t believe it!” Sierra shouted, unable to accept the outcome. “Why is this happening? Lily had never done anything wrong in her life. Why am I being punished like this while those heartless people are still living well? I’ve tried so hard, just wanting Grandma to live—why is it so hard?”

Jonathan had never seen Sierra like this before; it felt as if someone had stabbed him in the chest. He quickly walked over and embraced her. “Sierra, calm down!”

Sierra pulled away from his grasp and looked at him accusingly. “You knew about this, didn’t you?” No wonder his mood had been off; so he had been keeping this from her, too.

Jonathan didn’t argue but simply said, “Grandma is worried about you; she doesn’t want to see you upset. It would break her heart to see you like this.”

At his words, Sierra swayed slightly. Jonathan wanted to reach out to steady her but stopped himself. Once she seemed a bit calmer, he spoke again. “Grandma wants you to be happy; that’s her wish. Don’t worry her, Sierra.”

Sierra remained silent, her head bowed as tears fell to the ground, creating ripples. Each tear seemed to strike Jonathan’s heart, causing him intense pain. This was a foreign feeling for him; he had never felt this kind of agony for anyone before.

When Lily woke up, Sierra had completely calmed down and was sitting beside her bed with a smile. “Grandma, I’ve arranged with Dr. Zahn for your discharge; we’re going home.” Since Lily didn’t want to see her sad, she’d stay cheerful. Lily’s time was limited, and she didn’t want her grandmother to spend her last days alone in the hospital. Seeing Sierra’s demeanor, Lily knew she was aware of everything and reassuringly patted her hand. “Good, let’s go home.”

Jonathan had already completed the discharge formalities. He stood at the door for a while before entering. “It’s all set; let’s…” With that, he gently lifted the frail elderly woman into a wheelchair.

“You guys go ahead; I need to see Dr. Zahn for some medicine,” Sierra said. Jonathan knew Sierra had some things to ask Oscar, so he nodded and went ahead with Dickson, pushing Grandma downstairs.

Sierra took a deep breath before pushing open the doctor’s office door.

“Dr. Zahn, how long does my grandma have?” She hadn’t dared to ask this question before but now found the courage to speak.

“Maybe just a month,” Oscar said with difficulty. A month was optimistic, at best. “I often chat with your grandma, and she’s happy seeing you doing well; she feels she has no regrets. Take care,” he added.

“Thank you.” Sierra pinched herself hard to prevent a breakdown.

“Is there anything I should be aware of?” she asked.

“I’ve prescribed more pain medication; that’s all. Let her leave this world happy.”

Leaving the doctor’s office, Sierra took a while to compose herself before heading to the parking lot. All the way, she pondered Oscar’s words. Grandma only had a month left. I always thought Grandma would be with me much longer. If I had known this, I wouldn’t have buried myself in my research; I should have spent more time with her.

Lost in thought, Sierra didn’t notice the person in front of her and bumped right into them.

“Sorry!”