“Grandma, what did you just say?” I asked, stunned.

My grandmother's eyes, once blazing with anger, now brimmed with tears. “I'm sick, Alexander. I don't have much time left.”

Layla's grip on my hand tightened. “What do you mean, Emilia?” She whispered.

My grandmother's voice trembled. “I have blood cancer. The doctor says...it's advanced.”

My world crumbled. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. “No, Grandma. That's not possible,” I denied, desperation creeping in.

My grandmother nodded slowly. “I've known for months. I wanted to ensure your future, Alexander, before…”

Tears streamed down Layla's face. “Why didn't you tell us?”

My grandmother's frail smile broke my heart. “I...