I slowly opened my eyes to the sterile walls. My heart felt heavy and my thoughts raced to Slavy but my eyes layed on my father.
"Dad," I uttered slowly, sitting up, and he woke up instantly, rushing to my bedside and falling to his knees.
"I'm sorry, my daughter. I'm sorry for everything I've done. Please forgive me," he wept, and I felt a pang of guilt for treating him so harshly.
"Dad, get up, please," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He continued, "I know you probably hate me and don't want to see my face, but please forgive me. I want to make it up to you. I know I can't reverse time, but please just let me explain."
I was taken aback by his words, and without thinking, I hugged him tightly. He was surprised by my sudden gesture but responded seconds later, holding me close
"I'm sorry, Dad," I cried, hugging him tightly, and he held me close, not wanting to let me go.
Mrs. Broncos entered the room, a look of relief on her face. "Oh, my goodness, Testimony! You're okay!" she exclaimed, tears streaming down her face.
I broke the hug with my dad and hugged her instead. "Oh, my God, my daughter, you're okay!" she cried, holding me tightly.
Zikhona walked into the room, a huge smile on her face. "Testimony!" she exclaimed, rushing to hug me.
"Girl, you know I was worried sick! I almost died!" she joked, and I laughed, feeling a sense of normalcy return.
The doctor entered the room, a smile on her face. "Good afternoon, family. I see my patient has finally woken up."
"Yes," Mrs. Broncos replied, still smiling. "We're just glad she's okay."
The doctor nodded. "Well, since she's woken up, you can take her home. I'll give you some treatment to help her immune system, as it's very weak."
My family's smiles faltered, and I knew they were thinking about the cancer. But I was determined to stay positive.
"I still have cancer, don't I?" I asked the doctor, trying to sound brave.
The doctor nodded sympathetically.....
...