Leukemia

I felt even more burdened about telling both of them about Ariah's illness. Like Arik, Ariah had no knowledge of her own condition. How could I tell them without causing pain to any of us?

"Hush, baby. I'm so sorry daddy took so long. But don't worry, I'm here. Daddy is here. I will never ever leave you again. You will never have to wait long again. Not anymore. I promise."

After that emotional scene, Arik didn't speak to me anymore. He had spent time playing with Ariah, and now they were sleeping side by side in his hospital bed while I occupied my own. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them sleep, seeing how much they resembled each other.

Even with their eyes closed, their similarities were striking – their eyes, sharp noses, the right amount of redness in their cheeks, the shape of their faces, and the color of their complexions. There was no denying that they were father and daughter.