“So,” Emma said, trying to stay calm. “I haven’t responded to the chemo.”
Jenny reached out and took her one hand; Liv gripped the other. Kat stood up and moved behind her. She didn’t touch Emma, but Emma knew she was there.
“I’m sorry.” Doctor Hal Fife shook his head. “No. You haven’t.”
“Has the cancer spread?” Liv asked.
“I don’t know.” Hal looked down. “We need to do some tests, OK?”
Emma breathed out. “A lumbar puncture?”
“Yes,” he said.
“A what?” Jenny said.
“It’s also called a spinal tap,” Emma told her.
“Oh. What’s it test for?”
“To see if the cancer has spread to my central nervous system.”
“Right,” Hal said. “Specifically, to see if it’s in your spine.”
“Or brain,” Kat said quietly.
“Yes. That’s correct.”
A heavy silence descended on the small room.
Emma blinked ba
