Chapter 1 The diagnosis

The ambulance sirens wailed as Samuel grasped Sarah's hand tightly, his eyes locked onto hers as they wheeled her into the emergency room. "You'll be fine," he whispered, trying to reassure her. Sarah nodded weakly, her grip on his hand firm. The doctors swiftly pushed her into the ICU, and the doors closed behind them.

Samuel paced anxiously outside, his mind racing with worry. Ten minutes ticked by, then twenty, then thirty, but there was no update from the doctors. An hour passed before Dr. Michael emerged, his expression somber. Samuel sprang to his feet, his eyes fixed intently on the doctor. "Dr. Michael!" he called out.

The doctor turned, his eyes filled with compassion. "I'm sorry, Mr. Sam," he said gently. "Your wife's condition is critical. She has stomach cancer, and it's advanced. We've done everything we can, but... she won't survive."

Samuel staggered back, his world crumbling around him. Dr. Michael handed a document to the nurse, explaining that treatment could only sustain Sarah for a week. "I'm sorry, Mr. Samuel," he repeated. "If there was anything I could do to save her, I would. But it's too late."

Samuel nodded tightly, tears streaming down his face. Dr. Michael left, and Samuel rushed to the bathroom, splashing water on his face. He stared at his reflection, and suddenly, he burst into tears, the weight of his loss crushing him.