Part 17

Dana’s readiness to keep fighting was somewhat short lived.  About 3am Sharon woke to the sound of Dana reaching and vomiting in the en suite.  The scene that met her made her heart crumble. Watching her frail and exhausted 32 year old daughter cling to the toilet bowl as her reaction to chemotherapy expelled the contents of her stomach was a sight no mother should have to endure.  Sharon was soon at Dana’s side however comforting her. It was the first time Sharon had seen Dana without her headscarf on, Alice was the only one who had seen the full extent the treatment was having on Dana’s body. She just held Dana and tried her best to keep her tears at bay. Twenty minutes later and Sharon practically carried Dana back to her bed.

“I fucking hate this.” Dana managed to get out in an exhausted and exasperated shout.

“I know dear, so do I” Sharon didn’t no what else to say

“I’ve had enough” Dana practically whispered as the tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

Sharon just took Dana’s hand in an effort to comfort her and looked at the picture on Dana’s nightstand. It was one of Alice and Dana, obviously taken in Dana’s bed in the early morning with Alice looking into Dana’s eyes and Dana having the most perfect expression on her face as Alice started to tickle her lover just as she shot the photo. Priceless.  Dana opened her eyes to see her mother staring and as she followed her line of sight she saw her most valuable possession, the most perfect photo of her and Alice that always made her heart swell with love.  It used to sit on her mantle but Alice moved it into their bedroom when Dana was ill so that she would always be with her.

“I know Mum, I’m just tired. I do not really want to go anywhere and Alice is the reason but I’m just so tired.”

“I know dear but let’s take it one day at a time, now get some sleep.”  With that Sharon stood and tucked Dana in properly and returned to the spare room.

Life continued as it always did, the sun rose and set each day.