When The Wind Stops, True Feelings Remain

I was diagnosed with cancer the day I was assaulted. I was left battered and bruised.

The police told me to call my family.

My parents, frantic, said they were visiting friends out of town but would rush back. My older brothers, Mark and David, said they were on their way.

But I waited at the station all day, and only Mark showed up. He put his coat around me, his eyes full of concern.

“Sarah, I’m so sorry. If it weren’t for Lisa being sick, I wouldn’t have let you go to that meeting alone. This wouldn’t have happened. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

His phone rang, and he rushed outside.

I followed.

“Mom, this is insane. Just to keep Sarah away from Jessica’s adoption party? This is too much.”