Chapter 4: Family Ties

The phone rang once, twice, three times. With each unanswered ring, Sarah's resolve wavered. Just as she was about to hang up, convinced this was a mistake, a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?"

Sarah's breath caught in her throat. It had been so long since she'd heard her sister's voice, yet it was as familiar as her own heartbeat.

"Emma? It's... it's Sarah."

There was a long pause, filled with years of unspoken words and buried emotions.

"Sarah?" Emma's voice was a mixture of surprise and wariness. "Is everything okay?"

Sarah closed her eyes, leaning against the wall of the on-call room. "I... I don't know how to say this. I need to see you, Em. It's important."

Another pause, shorter this time. "Are you in trouble?"

"No, not exactly. It's just... I can't do this over the phone. Can you come to Metro General? I'm working, but I can take a break."

Emma hesitated, and Sarah could almost see her sister's furrowed brow, the way she bit her lower lip when deep in thought. "Okay," Emma finally said. "I can be there in an hour. Meet you in the cafeteria?"

"Yes, thank you," Sarah breathed, relief washing over her. "I'll see you soon."

As she ended the call, Sarah's legs gave out, and she slid down the wall to sit on the floor. She'd done it. After years of silence, of letting guilt and misunderstandings fester between them, she'd finally reached out. Now came the hard part.

The next hour passed in a blur. Sarah checked on Lily, reviewed charts, and answered pages, all while her mind raced with thoughts of her impending reunion with Emma. As she made her way to the cafeteria, her heart pounded so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it.

And then, there she was. Emma sat at a corner table, her honey-blonde hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, her green eyes – so like Sarah's own – scanning the room nervously. For a moment, Sarah saw the little girl who used to trail after her, hero-worship shining in those eyes. Then Emma spotted her, and the illusion shattered.

"Hi," Sarah said softly, sliding into the seat across from her sister.

Emma offered a tight smile. "Hi. You look... tired."

Sarah laughed humorlessly. "That's one way to put it." She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Emma, I—"

"Wait," Emma interrupted, holding up a hand. "Before you say anything, I need to know: why now? It's been years, Sarah. Why reach out all of a sudden?"

The hurt in Emma's voice was palpable, and Sarah felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over her. "You're right. I owe you an explanation for everything. But first, there's something I need to tell you." She paused, gathering her courage. "I'm sick, Em. Really sick."

Emma's eyes widened, the color draining from her face. "What do you mean, sick?"

Slowly, haltingly, Sarah explained her condition, the prognosis, the need for a transplant. As she spoke, she watched a myriad of emotions play across her sister's face – shock, disbelief, anger, and finally, a deep, profound sadness.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Emma whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.

Sarah reached across the table, tentatively taking her sister's hand. To her relief, Emma didn't pull away. "I was scared. Ashamed. After everything that happened with Mom and Dad, the way I pushed you away... I didn't know how to bridge that gap."

Emma squeezed her hand, a lifeline between them. "Oh, Sarah. We were both so young, so lost. I never blamed you for needing space. I just... I missed my big sister."

The dam broke, and suddenly both women were crying, years of pent-up emotions pouring out. They sat there, hands clasped, oblivious to the curious glances from other cafeteria patrons.

Finally, Emma wiped her eyes, her expression settling into one of determination. "Okay. What do we do now? How can I help?"

Sarah felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She wasn't alone anymore. "Just having you here helps more than you know. But there is one thing..." She hesitated, then forged ahead. "Would you consider getting tested? To see if you're a match for donation?"

Emma's response was immediate. "Of course. Whatever you need, I'm here."

As they discussed the details, making plans for Emma to undergo testing, Sarah felt a glimmer of hope she hadn't allowed herself to feel in months. It wasn't just the possibility of a donor match – though that was significant. It was the realization that despite the years and hurt between them, the bond she shared with her sister was still there, battered but unbroken.

Their conversation was interrupted by Sarah's pager. She glanced at it, frowning. "It's Lily's room. I have to go."

"Lily?" Emma asked, standing up with her.

"A young patient I've been treating. She's... special." Sarah hesitated, then made a split-second decision. "Do you want to come with me? See what I do?"

Emma nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "I'd like that."

As they hurried to Lily's room, Sarah filled Emma in on the case. When they arrived, they found Jack pacing anxiously by Lily's bed.

"Dr. Chen," he said, relief evident in his voice. "Lily's fever is back, and she says the chest pain is worse."

Sarah immediately went into doctor mode, checking Lily's vitals and examining her. As she worked, she was acutely aware of Emma watching from the doorway, seeing this side of her for the first time.

"We're going to increase your pain medication, Lily," Sarah explained gently. "And I'm going to order some more tests to make sure the infection isn't spreading, okay?"

Lily nodded bravely, though fear shone in her eyes. Jack took her hand, his worried gaze fixed on Sarah.

"Is she going to be alright?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah met his gaze steadily. "We're doing everything we can, Mr. Thompson. Lily's a fighter, remember?"

As she turned to leave, Sarah caught Emma's eye. Her sister's face was a mix of awe and understanding – seeing not just the doctor, but the woman who had always felt called to heal, to help, to make a difference.

In that moment, standing between her past and her present, Sarah felt a sense of wholeness she hadn't experienced in years. Whatever challenges lay ahead – her health, Lily's treatment, rebuilding her relationship with Emma – she would face them head-on, with renewed strength and purpose.

For the first time since her diagnosis, Sarah allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, her story wasn't over yet. It was just taking an unexpected turn.