Chapter 11 - THE SISTER WHO WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR
Sadi's dental appointment took place on a rainy Saturday.
Diane had found a clinic offering a manageable payment plan.
The dentist explained that Sadi's teeth could be treated gradually.
Sadi sat in the chair, nervous.
"Will it hurt?"
The dentist smiled.
"We'll make sure you're comfortable."
Diane held her hand.
"You've got this."
After the appointment, Sadi looked at her reflection in the clinic window.
"Do you think the girls at school will stop laughing?"
Diane knelt.
"I hope so."
Then she added:
"But even if they don't, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you."
Sadi nodded.
"Mom used to say that."
Diane smiled sadly.
"She did."
They went for ice cream afterward.
Sadi chose strawberry.
Diane chose chocolate.
As they sat outside the shop, Sadi asked:
"Do you think Mom and Dad would be proud of us?"
Diane felt tears rise.
"Yes."
Sadi smiled.
"Even though we're not rich?"
Diane laughed through tears.
"Especially because we keep going."
Sadi leaned against her.
Then she said:
"When I'm a doctor, I'm going to help kids whose families can't pay."
Diane kissed her hair.
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"That's a beautiful dream."
And for the first time, Diane felt that the future might hold more than survival.
