Blood of Kin

**”Blood Ties”**

Emily looked at her husband, James, with tear-filled eyes. “I saw the doctor today… It’s bad. If I dont start treatment soon, I wont last long. The surgery, chemotherapy, medicationits all so expensive. Where will we get the money?”

James squeezed her hand. “Dont worry, love, well figure something out. Im here for you, always.”

Emily sighed. “We should tell Mum. Im worried about her heartshell be so upset. But I cant keep it from her. Shell notice somethings wrong.”

At thirty-eight, Emily had never imagined facing something like this. She had so much life ahead of her. But she wasnt aloneJames was by her side, and his son, Oliver, who had become like her own. She had no children of her own, a fact her first husband had blamed her for before leaving. Still, she had her mother, her sister, and her nephew. They would support her.

James had raised Oliver alone after his wife left when the boy was just two, vanishing without a trace. Emily had met James in Hyde Parkshe was walking her dog, he was playing with Oliver. They started talking, then dating, and before long, she happily married him.

At first, they lived in her flat, inherited from her grandmother. Later, they sold it and bought a larger place to fit their little family. They had plans and now this.

Without delay, Emily visited her mother, bringing tea and cake.

“Mum, please dont panic, but I need to tell you I have cancer. Without treatment well, you know. James and I are trying to figure out how to afford it.”

Her mother gasped. “Oh, Emily! How could this happen? Youve always been so healthy, not like CharlotteI was always dragging her to hospitals as a child! What a tragedy!”

This was exactly what Emily had feareddramatics and despair. But she had to tell the truth.

“I wish I could help, darling, but all my savings went to Charlottes son for his new car. Hes my only grandson, you understand. And I have a bank deposit, but I cant touch it without losing interest. Your father left it for my pensionpassive income, you know.”

Emily forced a smile. “I wasnt asking, Mum. Just letting you know.”

James sold his car to cover the first round of treatment. Emily had the surgery, but the next phase was critical.

Her mother visited, frowning. “You dont look well, dear. What do the doctors say? Is there hope?”

“Time will tell,” Emily replied. “Im trying to stay positive. Has Charlotte visited?”

“Oh, shes in Spain with her husbandbut she sends her love!”

Emily bit her lip. Since learning of her illness, her sister had called twice and vanished. A few kind words would have meant so much.

Later, she confided in James. “The doctor says the best drugs are expensive. The cheaper ones might not work. What do we do?”

James kissed her forehead. “Well find the money. Youre my wifeI wont let you down. Oliver misses you terribly. We both do.”

Warmth filled Emilys chest. How lucky she was to have them.

Remembering her mothers bank deposit, Emily hesitantly asked for help.

“Mum, I need money for a life-saving drug. Could you lend it? Well pay you back.”

Her mother sighed. “Darling, lets be honest. The odds arent good. I spoke to your doctorwhat if the moneys wasted?”

Emilys heart sank. “Never mind, then.”

When her mother left, Emily cried. *So much for family.*

But James returned with news. “My parents sold their cottage! They insistedthey believe in you, love.”

Tears welled up again. These people, practically strangers, cared more than her own blood.

The treatment was brutal. When Emily grew weaker, her mother returned.

“Darling, we must talk. The treatment isnt working. Ive researched itdoctors just want money. But theres something else”

Her voice turned sharp. “If the worst happens, James gets your flat*your* money from selling Grans place paid most of it! Should a stranger take everything? Your nephew, Williamhes *family*. Why not sign it over to him now?”

Emily stared in disbelief. “Family? Where were you when I needed help? You clung to your interest, Charlotte jetted off to Spain, and now youre circling like vultures?”

She took a shaky breath. “James parents sold their home for me. *Theyre* my family. Please leave.”

Her mother huffed and walked out, baffled.

But Emily recovered. The drugs worked. James was overjoyed. She signed the flat over to him, ensuring her relatives couldnt claim it.

Her mother was furious. “So a stranger matters more than blood? Charlotte will be devastated!”

Emily didnt care. She was alive, she was lovedand that was enough.

**Sometimes, family isnt about blood. Its about who stands by you when the storm hits.**