Chapter
1
Dr. Richard Benson cleared his throat and stared at the twenty-five
year old man sitting in front of him. The doctor's next words would change this
man's life. He was about to give this man the worst news he had probably even
received in his entire life. He studied the man gravely. He was quite
good-looking, with curly light brown hair and bright blue eyes, high
cheekbones, a chiseled jaw. He had a great smile, but right now, his lips were
pressed together tightly, a look of fright in his eyes. Dr. Benson felt sorry
for him. He hated giving bad news to anyone, but this wasn't just anyone. This
was Brian Littrell, a member of the popular group the Backstreet Boys. This man
had dreams. And the doctor's next words would ruin them.
Dr. Benson cleared his throat again. He knew he had to tell Brian what
was wrong with him. He clasped his hands tightly together and began to speak.
"I'm sorry, Brian, but I'm afraid I have some bad news," the
doctor started. Brian's already pale face seemed to get even paler. "You
have a disease called Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It's a type of cancer."
Brian's blue eyes widened in shock and fear. He said nothing.
"It's a rare form of cancer, but it's treatable," Dr. Benson
said.
"H-how do you treat it?" Brian asked, his voice small and
shaky.
"We'll start by chemotherapy. Do you know what that is?"
Brian nodded slowly. "Luckily, we've caught the cancer in an early stage,
which means it will be easier to treat," he said, trying to make Brian
feel better, although knowing that it probably wouldn't help much.
"That's good," Brian managed to say, but the doctor saw tears
shining in his eyes. Brian blinked them back, embarrassed. Dr. Benson patted
his hand gently. It was as cold as ice.
"I'll help you get through this, Brian," he said. Brian
nodded, trying to be brave.
"What do I do now?" Brian asked.
"You need to go to the hospital and begin treatments right
away," Dr. Benson told him. "I've already called Orlando General, and
they have a bed for you. Go on home and pack some things, then go to the
hospital and check in."
"Okay," Brian said hesitantly.
"You'll be under the care of another doctor, an oncologist, named
Dr. David Mauher. He'll explain everything to you at the hospital."
"Okay," Brian said, standing up.
"I'm sorry I had to give you such bad news," Dr. Benson said.
Brian offered him a grim smile and left his office.
***
