**Fiona's POV**

As soon as the guys left, it was just Mum, Dad, and me for dinner. The nerves fluttered in my stomach like a hundred butterflies. Tomorrow marked the start of my treatment, and the weight of uncertainty was almost suffocating. What if this was just another failed attempt? But still, I clung to a thread of hope, willing myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things would be different this time.

While shopping with the girls earlier, I’d spotted this stunning dress – elegant, chic, and everything I ever dreamed of wearing to prom. My heart ached thinking about it. Would I even be well enough to go? I vowed to fight through the treatment, not just for myself, but for that moment with my friends.

Later that night, as Mum and Dad drifted off on the couch, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. They had already been through so much, and the last thing I wanted was to break their hearts by leaving them behind. I promised myself that I would not let them down; somehow, I needed to find a way to make all their sacrifices worthwhile.

Missing some exams during finals had been tough, but Principal Williams had graciously offered me a chance to take them once I was stable. The prom was just a week away, and I couldn’t shake the uncertainty of whether I’d be able to attend.

As sunlight streamed through the curtains, I opened my eyes to find Mum and Dad already awake, deep in conversation.

“Good morning, Mum and Dad,” I greeted, my voice still thick with sleep.

“Morning, darling! How did you sleep?” Mum asked, her eyes warm with concern.

“I slept well. I hope we didn’t keep you uncomfortable on the couch,” I joked lightly.

“Not at all! We were out like lights,” she replied with a reassuring smile.

“Excited for today? Treatment day!” Dad tried to inject some enthusiasm into his voice.

“Excited? More like nervous,” I admitted honestly.

“You’ll be okay. Just try not to overthink it,” he encouraged gently.

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, appreciating his support.

After breakfast, the moment I’d both dreaded and anticipated arrived. Dr. Morris and a nurse walked in, bright smiles on their faces.

“Good morning, Fiona,” Dr. Morris said, his tone clipped yet friendly.

“Good morning, Doctor,” I replied, trying to muster some excitement.

“Ready for today?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

“Yes, I’m ready,” I declared, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

“The injection will be administered intravenously every six hours. Let’s get started,” he said, guiding me through the process.

The nurse prepared everything, and soon enough, the first dose was administered. A sharp pang shot through my arm, and before I realized it, tears threatened to spill. I fought them back, quickly blinking so Mum wouldn't notice my pain.

An hour later, as the initial dose faded into an exhausting haze, I sank deeper into my bed, feeling utterly drained.

“How are you holding up, sweetheart?” Dad asked gently.

“I’m just really tired. It’s only the first dose; we won’t see any change yet,” I replied, my voice a mere whisper.

“Anything you’d like to snack on?” Mum offered, her maternal instincts kicking in.

“No, I think I just want to sleep until the next dose,” I said, balancing my exhaustion with the desire for comfort.

“Okay, dear. Just rest,” they replied, retreating to let me find solitude.

After tossing and turning, sleep finally wrapped its arms around me like a warm blanket. When I awoke, it was time for the next dose.

The hours passed in a blur—every six hours, a nurse came in to give me the next round. By 8 PM, I had completed my last dose of the day. Isolated in my room, I picked up my phone and dialled Kayla’s number, aching for a friendly voice.

“Hey!” she chirped, her enthusiasm spilling through the line.

“You sound cheerful! Did Luca finally ask you to prom?” I teased, injecting some levity into my heavy heart.

“Oh, no, it’s just that the Lakers won tonight! Can you believe it?” she exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

“That’s incredible! I wish I had seen the game,” I admitted, my energy waning as I spoke.

“Speaking of which, how are you doing? Treatment started today, right?” she asked, her concern evident.

“Honestly, it’s been rough. That’s why I called. I needed someone to talk to,” I confessed.

“Of course! What do you want to chat about?” she offered eagerly.

“Anything, really,” I sighed, grateful for her distraction.

And just like that, we spent two hours lost in conversation, laughing and reminiscing.

“No way… stop it! Did Lila really say that?” I gasped between fits of laughter as she recounted an absurd story from their past.

“Trust me, she did! You know how she can be,” Kayla chuckled, barely holding her laughter.

“Honestly, knowing Lila, I can totally see it happening,” I giggled in agreement. “But I should let you go now—I’m starting to feel sleepy. Thanks for listening; it really means a lot.”

“Anytime! Just remember, I’m here whenever you need to talk,” she replied warmly.

“Thanks again, and have a great night!” I said, feeling lighter.

“Good night!”

As we ended the call, I drifted off into a deep sleep.

It was noon the next day when my parents finally heeded my insistence and headed home for some much-needed rest. That left me alone in my room, feeling a mix of boredom and solitude.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, and as it swung open, I was greeted by my friends Kayla and Luca, bright smiles lighting up their faces.

"Hey, guys!" I called out, feeling a rush of excitement at the surprise visit.

"Hey, Fiona!" they chimed back, their energy infectious.

"How are you feeling?" Luca asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"Not great, but not terrible either," I admitted with a shrug.

"Sorry to hear that," he said, his brow furrowing slightly.

Kayla sidled over, setting a cooler on my bedside table. "We brought you some food," she announced, her eyes sparkling with delight.

“Really? What did you bring?” I asked, suddenly feeling my stomach rumble.

“Alfredo pasta and shrimp! Luca made it, ” she said.

“Awesome! I was starting to get hungry right before you came. Thanks, guys!” I said, feeling grateful.

“No problem,” they replied in unison, sharing a mischievous grin.

As we dug in, I shifted the conversation. “So, what’s the latest on prom now that finals are officially behind us?”

Kayla’s expression brightened. “We’re on the hunt for prom dates and outfits!”

Luca shot her a sideways glance. “You want a date?”

"Well, kinda. It might be nice to have someone," she admitted, her cheeks flushing.

“Okay, then let’s go together!” he declared, his enthusiasm spilling over.

“What?” Kayla and I both exclaimed, eyes wide in surprise.

He repeated, “Let’s go together.”

By this point, Kayla was blushing fiercely, a radiant mix of shock and delight.

“Come on, give him an answer,” I encouraged, nudging her playfully.

“Fine. Let’s go together,” she said, her smile finally breaking through.

“Okay, it’s settled then! What about Lila? Did she want a date?” I asked, curious.

“Yeah, but at the same time, she's not too fussed about it,” Luca replied, shrugging.

“Speaking of prom dresses, have you found ‘the one’ yet?” I asked Kayla, eager to hear about her plans.

“No, but I’m going shopping tomorrow with my mum, Lila, and her mum. I can't wait!” she said, her excitement palpable.

“I just know you’ll pick something amazing. I can’t wait to see you and Lila in your outfits!” I exclaimed, genuinely thrilled for them.

“Thanks, Fiona! You’re the best!” Kayla beamed.

We spent a few more hours chatting about everything under the sun, laughter filling the room. When they finally decided to head home, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. Their visit was just what I needed, a welcome distraction from my swirling thoughts and a reminder that I wasn't alone after all.