The diamond before the fall

*New Family*

As they wrapped up, Heiley and Troy said goodbyes. Kids hugged them tight.

One little boy handed Heiley a drawing. “For you! It’s you and Aunt Martha.”

Heiley smiled. “Wow, thank you! I’ll treasure it.”

The director smiled. “Thanks for making their day. Come back soon.”

As they left, Heiley turned to Troy. “Today was special.”

Troy nodded. “Definitely. Kids are the best.”

---

“Mr. Baldwin, your condition has worsened. You need surgery as soon as possible,” the doctor said.

Harris went quiet for a moment, processing the news. His wife died in an accident seven months ago, when she went to see the heart donor... He looked at the doctor with a worried expression. “How long can it take if I don’t get surgery?”

The doctor hesitated. “According to your heart condition, you may live three to six months without surgery.”

Harris nodded, remembering his daughter. If he dies, what would she do? He looked at the doctor and asked, “What are the survival chances if I go through the surgery?”

The doctor answered truthfully, “It’s thirty percent.”

Harris left the hospital and headed home. He pulled out his phone and dialed someone. The call went through. “Hey, Sarah. I need your help.”

---

Heiley, now 22, was in her dad’s office at home. Mr. Harris looked a bit nervous. “Heiley, sit down. I need to tell you something.”

Heiley raised an eyebrow. “What is it, Dad?”

Mr. Harris smiled softly. “I’ve met someone. Her name’s Sarah.”

Heiley’s eyes widened. “Wait, Sarah from the Smiths? Mom’s friend Sarah?”

Mr. Harris nodded. “The same. We’ve been... seeing each other for a bit.”

Heiley’s face lit up. “Dad, if you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Mr. Harris exhaled, relieved. “Really? You’re okay with it?”

Heiley hugged him. “Dad, I want you to be happy. Period.”

Mr. Harris smiled wider. “And guess what? Sarah has a daughter, Emily. She’s about your age.”

Heiley’s eyes lit up. “Really? That sounds awesome!”

Mr. Harris nodded. “I think you’ll like her. Maybe you two can hang out.”

Heiley grinned. “Definitely! I always yearned to have a sibling.”

Mr. Harris leaned back. “I hope you guys will bond. Sarah’s lovely... and Emily seems cool too.”

Heiley nodded. “Okay, Dad.”

Mr. Harris stood. “I’ll set up dinner with them soon.”

Heiley nodded and went back to her room.

Heiley slipped into her room, shutting the door softly. She pulled out a framed photo of her mom from her desk drawer.

“Hey, Mom... Dad just told me something. He’s seeing someone. Sarah. And she has a daughter, Emily.”

Heiley sat on her bed, tracing the photo’s edges.

“I don’t know, Mom... it feels kinda weird. But Dad seems happy. He wants me to get along with Emily.” She sighed. “What do you think, Mom?”

She stared at the photo, lost in thoughts. Her gaze lingered. “Yeah, I guess it’s okay. I want Dad to be happy... that’s what you always said, right, Mom?”

Her brow furrowed. “But... you told me Sarah was your friend. Like, a really close friend. You guys were like sisters, plus Aunt Linda.” Her thoughts swirled. “And now Dad’s dating her? I don’t know...” She looked at her mom’s smile in the photo. “What do I do, Mom?”

She sighed, her eyes still on the photo. “I remember you guys used to talk about stuff... like, really deep stuff. You trusted her, Mom.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Does that mean I can trust her too?”

She paused, thinking back. “And Emily... is she gonna be like a sister or something? Weird thought.” She shook her head slightly. “Guess I’ll just... go with it. For Dad.”

She smiled softly at the photo. “Okay, Mom. I’ll try. I love you, Mom... Miss you a lot.” Her eyes drooped, heavy with memories. Still holding the photo, she curled up on her bed, breathing slow.

The frame slipped to her chest as she drifted off, lost in sleep.

---

Heiley’s dad pushed open the door, a soft smile on his face. He spotted Heiley asleep, clutching her mom’s photo to her chest.

He crossed the room quietly, sitting on the bed edge. He didn’t know how to break the news that he was dying. Deep inside, he knew his decision to bring Sarah in was the best for her.

“Heiley... sweetie... time for dinner.” He gently brushed hair from her face. Heiley stirred, eyelids fluttering.

“Dad...?” she mumbled, still holding the photo.

Her dad smiled. “Yeah, it’s me. Dinner’s ready. Sarah and Emily are here.”

Heiley blinked awake, rubbing her eyes. She glanced at her mom’s photo, then her dad.

Downstairs, Emily was already at the table. 22, blonde, smiling at everything like she owned the room. Then her eyes landed on Heiley and her dad stepping down the stairs. Heiley looked... different, beautiful and softer somehow. Her dad had his arm around her shoulders.

“Heiley!” Emily stood, arms open. “Dad Harris told me everything about you and the company.”

Heiley’s throat tightened. Something in Emily’s tone felt... off.

Emily leaned in, voice low so only Heiley heard: “Don’t worry. Now that Mom and I are here, you won’t have to handle the company alone. Especially with the board meeting Friday.”

Heiley froze. How did Emily know about Friday?

Harris cleared his throat, missing it. “Let’s eat, girls.”