Lily was eight.
The next two years became a cycle of hospitals, blood tests, medication, and cautious hope.
Tony stayed through all of it.
By the time Lily turned ten, she had spent more days in bed than outside.
Tony always sat beside her and took her hand.
She often watched children playing soccer through the hospital window.
“Dad, why can’t I play like the other kids?” she would ask. “Why do I have to stay in bed?”
Tony always sat beside her and took her hand.
“Your body needs more rest than theirs.”
“That is not fair.”
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