The morning air felt heavy — quiet, almost like it knew something Suzanne didn't. She stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. There was no reason to go to the clinic today, not really — but something deep inside her whispered, Go.
Her mother was busy making breakfast. "You're heading to school early?" she asked.
Suzanne smiled softly. "Yeah, I have a project to finish. Don't wait for me at lunch."
Her mom nodded without question. "Take care, sweetheart."
---
The clinic was almost empty when Suzanne arrived. Dr. Mehra looked surprised. "Suzanne! You came alone?"
"I just… wanted to get my test results. I didn't want to bother Mom. She worries too much."
The doctor hesitated. "Normally, I'd prefer your mother here, but…" She sighed gently and handed Suzane a small folder. "You're mature enough to understand."
Suzanne's heart pounded as she opened the report. The medical terms blurred together — tumor… mass… treatment recommended.
Her voice cracked slightly. "It's cancer, isn't it?"
Dr. Mehra nodded slowly. "Yes, Susan. A brain tumor. But it's still early. We can treat it — you must tell your parents soon."
Suzanne swallowed hard. The room felt smaller, colder. "I will," she whispered. "Just… not today."
The doctor reached across the table and touched her hand gently. "You don't have to face this alone."
But Suzanne forced a small smile. "I can handle it. I just need a little time."
---
That afternoon, she skipped school and went straight to her favorite park — the one with the swings near the old oak tree. The laughter of children filled the air, their carefree joy clashing with the storm brewing inside her.
She sat on a swing and let the breeze play with her hair. "So, it's real," she murmured to herself. "Cancer."
Her voice trembled, but she refused to cry. Instead, she tilted her head back, staring at the sky. "You won't win easily," she whispered to the clouds. "I've got too much left to do."
Her phone buzzed — a message from Ryan:
> Ryan: You vanished today! Planning to ditch us again?
She smiled faintly and replied:
> Suzanne: Just needed some quiet. Don't worry, Captain Suzanne will report for duty tomorrow.
She slipped her phone back into her bag and took one last deep breath.
For now, no one would know — not her mom, not Liam, not her friends.
This secret would be hers to carry until she could find the strength to share it.
As she walked home under the dimming sky, a single thought followed her like a shadow:
"How long can I keep this hidden?"
---