I woke to Lara and Howie hovering over me. My legs were up in the air, cold towels on my face and Howie was looking at his watch and holding my wrist.

“Dana,” Howie said.

“Yeah,” I said groggily.

“You ok baby,” Lara asked, her face red from crying.

“Yeah, what happened?”

“You fainted, Lara’s a great catch, in more than one way.”

“Howie,” I chuckled a bit and my mother knelt beside me.

“I’m sorry Dana. I know how much stress you’re under now and to add this on top. I don’t want to be a burden upon your life.”

“Mother you’re not a burden,” I said getting up, still groggy.

“Easy love,” Howie said as he helped me up.

“Mother, we’re all in this together. We’ll be strong for you and help you. Lara and I will bring the baby by as often as possible. You’ve got box seats to all my matches and everyone I win will be for you. Don’t ever tell me you’re a burden again,” I said and my mother cried.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you and Howie growing up.”

“Oh mother, we’re fine,” Howie said putting his arm around my shoulders, “look. Surgeon. Famous tennis star. We turned out really well if I do say so myself.”

“I know babies, I still feel guilty,” she said hugging us, then turning to Shelly, whom was still in tears, “oh my baby, it’ll be ok. Bronson, take care of my baby, or else.”

“Of course ma’am,” he said, holding Shelly.

“Ok, I’m tired. I’m going to bed,” my mother said and walked out, my father in tow. We all went to our separate bedrooms, all emotionally drained from the events of the last hour. The reason was clear, cancer and guilt had changed her personality. I really wished that wasn’t the reason why she changed. I wish she changed because she wanted to. I didn’t want to think that way, but many years of the ‘not good enough’ or ‘you could do better’ was still a pain in my heart. Lara and I just laid in silence. Her arms around me, my head on her chest, listening to her heart. Her beating heart. The instrument in which I hold in my hands, ever so delicate and fragile. I never wanted to loose her again; that night I promise myself that I will do everything in my power to see that never happens again.