AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I knew I was young, we were young, but it didn’t matter to me. When you know, you know. I knew Caroline Hunt was supposed to grow old with me. I foresaw nothing but misery without her.
Life on Earth is fleeting. It’s a gift, but when God wants you, He will take you. It’s not meant to be a punishment...Cricket’s words hung in the air above me like a tangible weight.
I nodded, ready for whatever God wanted. “I won’t question you,” I told Him. “I accept it, always.”
And then a beep rang through the room, indicating her heart was beating. She was alive, barely, but she was alive. I thanked God and sat against the wall, waiting as they stabilized her, intubated her and hooked her to a ventilator.
When most everyone was out of the room, except for her personal nurse and Dr. Caldwell, I finally spoke.
“What happened?”
“Her body is starting to shut down, Spencer.”
I nodded.
“Can you still operate? If I’m a match, can you still operate on her in this condition?”
“It’s riskier but yes, it’s her best bet at life.”
Again, I nodded. Words were escaping me.
“When do I find out if I’m a match?”
“The panel meets this afternoon. We should have an answer then.”
“Good,” I said, tired beyond belief.
The nurse and Dr. Caldwell left me with her, and I finally used that time to break down. I buried my face in her limp palm, kissed the top of her hand and memorized every pore. I spoke into her ear, not sure if she could hear me, but I did it anyway.
“I love you, Caroline Hunt.”
I sat back down and breathed deeply, resting my head by her leg and keeping my hands on her skin. I just wanted to be near her. I just wanted to save her, and I couldn’t do that by myself.
No amount of money could save her entirely. Nothing I really had worth giving could save her, except my kidney and a faith that God would save her if it was His will.
Ellie came into the room crying and I stood and hugged her fiercely. Emmett, Jonah and Bridge as well as a few of the other hands like Pete and Drew sat with us. We had too many in the room, but the staff there didn’t have the heart to kick us out.
We all sat with her and watched a machine breathe for her. We watched her because she was too beautiful not to.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Mr. Blackwell,” we heard outside Cricket’s room at three in the afternoon.
My heart raced faster than it ever had and I wondered if I would go into cardiac arrest before I even a chance to save her.
I stood and left the room, sliding the large glass door shut behind me. Dr. Caldwell stood before me. I breathed deeply, trying to compose myself.
“And?”
“I stood outside the panel doors and just heard some news. It’s decided that you are a suitable match as a living donor for Caroline Hunt, and you have been approved for transplant.”
I couldn’t answer him, couldn’t respond. I collapsed on my knees, unable to support myself. I buried my face in my hands. Dr. Caldwell bent over me and patted my back.
“Son, this is very good news.”
I stood and braced a hand on the wall next to me. “This is wonderful news,” I said simply.
“We’ll prep you both for tomorrow.”
