When Marcy became sick three months later, the true nature of my children’s hearts revealed itself. Marcy had been tired for weeks, but we all hoped it was just age catching up with her. One day, she fainted in the garden while tending to her beloved roses. The diagnosis was devastating: late-stage cancer with only three to four months to live. I immediately called Caroline to share the news, begging her to come be with her mother. Her response was distracted and dismissive, promising to come “soon,” but she never showed up. Ralph answered my call only after several rings, appearing more concerned about a business deal than his mother’s illness. He promised to call back but never did.
