I gave it because Sophie wanted him there.
After the final chemotherapy cycle, we gathered around her bed while a nurse drew one more blood sample. Sophie watched the vial leave the room as though it carried the verdict on her entire future.
The result took four hours.
Dr. Shah arrived just before sunset.
She carried the report against her chest.
Daniel stood. Eric stopped pacing. I felt Sophie’s fingers close around mine.
“Please don’t make us wait,” I said.
Dr. Shah looked at Sophie.
“Your hCG is now below the laboratory’s detectable level.”
For a moment, none of us moved.
Then Sophie began to cry.
“Does that mean it’s gone?”
“It means the treatment has stopped the tumor from producing the hormone. That is an excellent sign.”
Daniel hugged her from one side. Eric leaned in from the other.
They did not look at each other.
