When Emily met with her doctor, her life turned upside down. Dr. Duncan’s words were careful but unflinching. “Emily, the results indicate Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. It’s a rare neurological disorder that will gradually affect your mobility. Over time, even walking may become difficult.”
Numb and struggling to absorb the weight of the diagnosis, Emily left the clinic. She wandered through a nearby park, cherishing the simple act of walking, aware that it might soon be taken from her. That night, she decided to tell her husband, Tyler. Hoping for compassion, she waited until after dinner, choosing her words carefully.
“Tyler, I need to tell you something important.” She explained her diagnosis, the potential for losing her ability to walk, and her fears about the future. Tyler’s reaction, however, was cold and unrecognizable. “What, you expect me to push you around in a wheelchair?” he scoffed. His words cut deep, revealing a selfishness she hadn’t known existed. Tyler left her that night, leaving only a note: Need time to think.