Choosing Hope

your job for a reason. You have mentored me for years and if there is one thing I know, Dr.
Maura Isles is never wrong.”
“Well Cailin”, Maura says as she leans down and kisses her sister on the head, “this is one time
that we are going to hold on to hope that I am wrong. You are my sister and there is certainly
plenty of room for personal emotions getting in the way of my professional judgement.”
“You have an appointment at 8 AM with one of the best oncologists in the area Cailin,” Hope
says, speaking to her daughter for the first time. We’re going to take this one step at a time OK?”
Cailin nods. “OK mom.” She looks over at the clock on the wall.”I guess that means I should
probably go get dressed. She hugs her mom and sister before heading towards the stairs.
“Hey Cailin,” Maura calls from behind her.
“Yes Maur?”
“It’s going to be OK, no matter what, OK? You are one of the strongest people I know.”
Cailin nods. She can feel the tears starting to well up in her eyes again as she makes her way
back up to the guest room. Last night, she had thought it was silly when Jessica had insisted on
staying with her. Now, she was glad she did.
“Jess,” Cailin called as she walked into the room. She had barely gotten the girls name out before
once again bursting into tears.
Jess was just coming out of the bathroom, dressed in her uniform, when Cailin called out for her.
Walking in the room, seeing the brunette crying, she made her way to her. As soon as her arms
were around Cailin, the girl's knees gave out, and Jess had to do her best to keep her up right.
She guided Cailin to the edge of the bed, sitting her down , Jess took the space next to her.
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