by Dash Hoffman
Callie couldn’t remember the last time that she had seen Joshua looking as happy as he did at that moment.
Liam rushed at Joshua, stopping just short of him. “Well? What are you waiting for? Why haven’t you gotten it and used it for Emma?” He demanded desperately.
Joshua took a deep breath. “It hasn’t been approved by any medical boards or organizations yet. As I said, it’s still in trials. It’s highly unconventional. We’d need to go through the proper channels to get it cleared for her to use, but the good thing is that it’s not intended to be used on any patients that are healthier than Emma is. It’s kind of ironic, but the patient has to have come to this sort of dire point before the treatment is ideal.”
Joshua grew quiet. “The fact is, Emma isn’t doing well at all, and if we don’t find a way to help her fast, we won’t be able to beat this, and we will lose her. Now Liam, the choice is entirely up to you and Emma. If you decide that you want to try this rogue treatment. You must remember that it’s still in trials. It’s a shot in the dark. There’s no guarantee that it will work.”
He looked from Emma to Liam who was standing before him at the foot of the bed. “Do you want to take a chance and try it?”
Liam didn’t hesitate at all. “If we don’t do it, is there any chance that we could save her? Perhaps there’s another way? Some other avenue that has been approved that we haven’t tried yet?” He stared at Joshua; looking paralyzed in place.
Joshua shook his head. “No, this is it. There is nothing that we haven’t tried that we could try. There’s nothing that we could do that we haven’t already done. This is the only other possibility out there.”
Liam lifted his chin resolutely. “Then do it. Do whatever you have to do to get it and make it happen, and do it as fast as you can. I will not lose my little girl.”
Joshua nodded and stood up, the big smile returning to his face. “I’ll get to work on it immediately. Now, if this treatment is successful, it will kill the cancer very quickly. It’s quite aggressive. In fact, in several of the case studies where this treatment was done, the cancer was eradicated entirely. In more than half of the cases, it’s done a terrific job. The caveat is that they don’t yet know the long term effects of it, and they won’t for a while, so that’s something to consider as well. That’s something we’ll have to keep an eye on, but for all intents and purposes, I’m going to say that I feel very strongly that Emma has an excellent shot at totally wiping out the cancer and becoming healthy again in the very near future. If it works, I don’t see any reason why she couldn’t have a perfectly normal, long, healthy, and happy life, just like any other kid.” Joshua beamed at Emma, and Emma grinned back at him.
“You are the best, Dr. J!” Her voice was weak, but her sentiment was strong. A genuine and heartfelt smile began to grow over Liam’s face. It was the first time that Callie had ever really seen him smile, and it seemed to transform him into an entirely new person.
A quiet laugh escaped him, and he shook his head in disbelief. Then he laughed loud and lunged for Joshua, throwing his arms around him and hugging him so tightly that Joshua strained to breathe.
“Thank you! Thank you so much.” Liam choked on his happy tears. “No one else could have possibly taken better care of my baby girl than you, and we’re so lucky that she has you! This is the best news I’ve ever gotten! Thank you!” Liam gushed gratefully, finally letting the doctor go and clapping him on the shoulders as they shared an emotional look.
“It’s some of the best news I’ve ever given, and I’m so glad that you chose to do the treatment. This could change everything.” Joshua laughed with him.
Callie rose from her chair and hurried to her dear friend. When Liam let him go, Callie wrapped her arms around Joshua to hug him as well.
“You are amazing, and this really is a miracle. It’s just like you to search the world high and low for a cure or something that could work and not rest until you did find it, and now you have.” She shook her head, blinded by tears of immeasurable joy. “You are the truest form of a healer that there could be in this world. Thank you.” He hugged her in return, and then went to Emma, giving her a gentle embrace.
“It’s time to beat this thing, Emma. You’re the strongest little girl I know, and now you’re going to be all right.” He wiped tears off of his own face and off of hers as well, before he finally let her go and went back to the end of the bed.
Liam was filled with more energy than Callie had ever seen in him, and pure joy, right from his soul outward, as if there was a sun shining inside of him.
He beamed at all of them. “Let’s celebrate! Anything you want, Emma. Whatever you’d like to do; we’ll do it.”
She laughed softly and closed her small hands before her. “Oh, I already know what I’d like to do!”
Liam nodded encouragingly. “Anything! Anything that you want my darling!”
She laughed again and answered excitedly. “I’d really like to go on a Neverland adventure with all of you!”
Liam blinked and leaned forward, resting his hands on the foot of her bed. Callie’s brows shot up and she bit her lower lip, holding her breath as she looked at him expecting the worst.
“Well now, I don’t think I could begin to know how to do that, or I would, Emma. This time, for you, I would.” He meant it, and Callie was amazed. It was like she was seeing a total stranger in the room for the very first time.
“We could teach you! It would be the best game!” Emma pleaded hopefully, placing her little folded hands over her heart in a sort of prayer.
Liam pulled his chin inward some and stood up, lifting his hands from the foot of the bed and sliding them down into his pockets. “Well… all right. If you think you can teach me how to do it, I’ll give it a try. I’m so happy right now that I feel like I could fly away.” He laughed and looked up at the stars above him. “My goodness, now I’m starting to sound like you two.”
Inspiration took hold of Callie, and with a thrill driving through her, she stepped toward Liam and Joshua. “Well, I did tell Emma about the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens. We wanted to go and see it one day when she gets better, but if she could make the trip now, that might be a good place for a Neverland adventure! We could start with that, and then when she’s well again we can go to the Neverland park that’s there, so she can play with the other children!”
With bated breath she watched for Liam’s response, not knowing what to expect from him as he stood there in complete elation before her.
He nodded and the wide smile that had found a permanent place on his face seemed to grow just a bit. “Okay then, that’s just what we’ll do, if that’s what our Miss Emma wants. Emma? What say you?”
The little girl felt as if she might float right out of her bed, she was so happy. “I say we do it!” She hoisted her frail fist in the air, just like Firefly would have done if he was there.
“Daddy! You will be Turtle Dove, the Indian. Dr. J, you will be one of the pirates, though not a terrible one. You can be one like Smee, who really is a sort of likeable fellow. Then Callie and I will be Lost Boys! We can go on a treasure hunt!”
Callie eyed her curiously. “I love it! This sounds like a terrific game in the making! What kind of treasure are we after?”
Emma’s eyes brightened. “The Sea Swan treasure! There’s an old pirate’s chest that contains a child’s sized golden sword which will never miss its mark in battle, and a beautiful music box that has a mermaid inside, which turns in a circle when the haunting melody is played!”
“I’m not sure I know how to do this game, but I’m going to try. I promise you that, Emma. I’m going to do my best and try!” Liam came to the side of the bed and wrapped his arms around his daughter, holding her close. “You’re on the mend, my little one, and I’ve never been more grateful.”
Joshua brightened. “This is definitely an adventure I want to be on! I’ll tell you what. I’ll contact my colleague right now, and we’ll try to
get the treatment administered immediately. I’ll be right back.”
“I can’t wait!” Emma, though very sick, seemed to glow.
Joshua left them, and Callie kissed Emma’s cheek. “Isn’t this exciting!”
“It is! I can’t wait to be well again so I can play and go to school!” Emma gushed happily.
They chatted only a few minutes before Joshua burst back through the doors, barely breathing. All eyes were on him as he steadied himself to speak.
“I’ve just talked with my colleague.”
Liam, Emma, and Callie listened in breathless anticipation.
“And?” Callie asked, seeing that Liam couldn’t speak.
“We’re going to be able to do it tomorrow morning!” Joshua answered with a grin, and the joy in the room became electric.
It was a while before they all calmed down enough that Callie could tell them goodbye. She kissed Emma’s cheek. “I’m going to go; I’ve got some shopping to do!” They waved as she left them.
Callie’s heart was lighter than it had been since she had met Emma. It felt like the whole world had suddenly shifted, as though there was a miracle around them; glowing and beautiful, as if magic was being worked, and nothing could have made her happier.
She stopped in to Davies Tea Shop, and was delighted to find Mr. Davies decorating tiny pink cupcakes. As usual, there was no one else in the shop, and a cup of tea was laid out for her, though there was just one cup set out, rather than two. Mr. Davies was busily piping frosting into cloudy tufts on his mini cakes.
His green eyes twinkled as he raised them to meet hers. “Some good news today?” He asked knowingly.
She laughed. “Yes! Very good news! Great news! How do you always know?”
“It’s easy to guess.” He winked at her and handed her one of the cupcakes. “Try this and see if you like it. I thought I’d send a big box of them with you, in case you’d like to share them with friends.”
Callie shook her head at him in amazement and tasted the bite-sized treat. It almost melted in her mouth, it was so good.
“Oh! That’s divine!” She sighed, rolling her eyes. “How on earth do you do that! You always make the very best things.”
She sat and took a drink of her tea. It made her smile wide. “There’s a treatment that Emma’s doctor is going to try. It’s still in a trial stage, but apparently it’s done wonders for others, and could wipe her cancer out entirely! It’s a miracle!”
He glanced at her over the top of his half-moon spectacles. “Magic and miracles are the same. What wonderful news!”
“As soon as she’s able, we’re going to take her to Kensington Gardens to have a little Neverland visit, and play. I can hardly believe I’m saying it, but even her father is going to come! He’s… he’s changed almost on the spot. It’s incredible to see it.”
Mr. Davies moustache couldn’t hide the grin beneath it. “I’m so pleased to hear that.”
“I’m on my way now to do some shopping and pick up some things for our big play day. It’s… it’s better even than Christmas!”
“It is indeed. No one could ask for more.” Mr. Davies’ cheeks turned as pink as the frosting he was doling out. “Now then, I’ll just get these into a box, and you can take them with you. It’s time to celebrate.”
Callie hugged him tightly before she left with the pretty box full of cupcakes under her arm.
Chapter Eleven
A Shot in the Dark
Callie arrived at the hospital early the next morning, just after breakfast, ready for the biggest day of Emma’s young life.
There was an electric energy in the air, among all who interacted with her, from the nurses to Dr. J and some of the other doctors on her team, and especially to Liam. Everyone could feel it, and everyone was excited for the healing change.
Callie sat beside Emma’s bed as Joshua gently woke the little girl. “Emma…” He whispered. “Emma, wake up.”
She opened her eyes and looked around, blinking. “Dr. J?” She asked, completely disoriented for a few moments.
Her eyes moved past Joshua’s shoulder and she saw Callie there. “Callie!” She smiled weakly. Liam stood silently at the end of her bed.
“Hey there, sleepyhead!” Joshua smiled at her.
Liam went to the other side of her bed and took her hand in his. “Dr. J’s colleague flew in from the states last night to help him do the treatment for you. Dr. J said you’re going to be helped by the very man who created the treatment. It’s really wonderful! You’re getting a new lease on life, and it starts today!”
Relief flooded his voice, along with overwhelming joy.
“Okay, Emma. It’s time for us to go in.” Joshua told her with a big smile.
He and Abbie lifted her to a gurney and covered her with blankets. “Are you nervous?” He asked, gazing down at her as he tucked her small frame in snugly.
Emma shook her head. “No. I’m a friend of the Lost Boys. I’m not afraid of anything now.”
Callie’s heart launched into her throat and she wiped a few tears from her eyes.
Joshua gave her a big smile. “Good, because there’s nothing to be afraid of. Let’s go.”
He waited a few moments while Liam and Callie wished her well. Callie kissed her cheek. “You’re one of the bravest girls I know. I’m so proud that we’re friends. I love you.”
“I love you, too!” Emma smiled at her, looking up from where she lay. Her body seemed like an empty shell; she was so frail. Callie knew better. Inside that weak little body was a titan.
Liam held Emma and kissed her forehead. “Dr. J is going to go help you and then you’ll be back, and this will all be over, and we will have our amazing Neverland day in the park. You just keep thinking about that.”
Emma kissed him in return, and Joshua wheeled her away, out of the room and down the hallway.
Callie and Liam stood in Emma’s empty room for a long moment and the silence began to suffocate them.
“Tea?” She asked, turning to look at him.
He gave her a nod. “That sounds good.”
They went to the cafeteria together, and sat with their tea at the same table where they’d been before, under different circumstances.
She could see that Liam was on edge, but he was in better spirits than she’d ever seen him. He gave her a heartfelt smile.
“I can see now what a big help it’s been to Emma to have you as a friend, and how happy you’ve made her.” He began with a quiet voice. “You’ve made a big difference. I’m glad that you’re here.”
Callie gave him a big smile in return. “I’m glad that I’m here, too. She’s made a huge difference to me as well, in so many ways. We’re so lucky to have her in our lives.”
“We are indeed.” He agreed.
“How are you feeling about this treatment?” She asked, feeling as if she already knew.
“It’s going to work. I know it is!” Liam couldn’t contain his joy. “Maybe there really is something to all this magic that you two are always going on about. Or maybe it’s just a good old-fashioned miracle. I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s definitely working! I haven’t believed in anything in so long, but since you came, since you’ve become a friend and introduced Emma and I to the idea of believing in dreams, she’s changed. I’ve changed. I’ve found that I don’t have to do this whole thing alone anymore, that I can rely on you and have a friend to help Emma and I through it. It’s… it’s really meant a great deal. I know I didn’t make it easy on you at first, but I was being careful. I was trying to do what was best for my daughter, and for me.”
He shook his head, staring into his tea. It was a minute before he looked up at Callie, who sat and listened to him.
“You’ve been so good to us. Such a true friend, and it’s made all the difference in the world. Thank you.”
She could see tears forming in his eyes, and she set her hand over his, giving it a squeeze. “You two have made a big difference in my life as
well. I’m so glad that we’re all friends, and I’m really glad that I can be here to help you through the tough times, and celebrate the wins. We’ll see the good times together too. A wonderful friend of mine reminded me not long ago that when things seem their darkest, it’s because light is on its way. We’ve been through the dark, and now it’s time for the light.”
“It truly is.” He chuckled. “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome.” She smiled.
They talked on and on, much more easily than they ever had, and the clock up on the wall ticked ever onward. Two cups of tea later, they returned to Emma’s room to wait, and after what felt like an eternity, Joshua entered the room, pushing Emma on her bed.
Callie and Liam rushed to her, and saw that she was sleeping. They helped Abbie and the doctor lay her gently back in her own bed. When she was tucked in, the three of them left, standing outside her door so Joshua could speak to them.
“First of all, she did very, very well. I couldn’t possibly be more pleased with the way that things went. My colleague said she’s really the ideal candidate for this treatment and he’s glad that he flew in from the states to help, because she’ll be one of his top case studies. It went tremendously well.” Joshua assured them with a big smile, and enormous relief on his face and in his voice.
Liam covered his mouth with his hand as tears flooded and spilled out from his eyes. Joshua wrapped him in a firm hug, and Liam wilted.
“It’s over…” He heaved great, quiet sobs. “It’s finally over. After all this time and after everything we’ve been through, after everything she’s suffered… it’s done. Thank heaven. Thank you, Dr. J.”
