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Aiden sits back down and takes a long drink. “I could do with something stronger right about now.” I don’t blame him, so could I.
“Thank you,” he says after a long pause. His gaze lifts to mine, our eyes connecting. “Thank you for saving Ella.”
His Adam’s apple quivers in this throat, and he looks away. I struggle with the same emotions, suddenly overcome with… with… I’m not sure what exactly, but my throat closes over and my hands tremble.
“Make her happy,” I push out.
“You have my word. Your sacrifice won’t be in vain or ever taken for granted.” Aiden’s voice is hoarse now, nothing like before when he first started speaking. “Is there anything you would want?”
It’s not a question I expected from him; it leaves a tingling sensation in my body.
I think for a moment. “Living on in Ella is all I want. It brings me a level of peace I’ve not experienced before.
“Most people cling to life. I’ve seen it plenty of times.” Next to me, Aiden’s face sobers. “I’m not proud of it. In my line of work it’s sometimes necessary, and they were scum.
“I always thought I’d cling to life too. But I received a great gift—the gift of choice. My life is complete, despite missing out on all the experiences I had longed for… my wedding day with Ella, babies… growing old with her. Part of me knew from early on my chances of actually growing old were small, but I still dreamed about it.
“If the surgery goes well, you get to have all of these. But I’ll be there too, and knowing that… I’m content.”
“So, is there anything you’d want Ella and I to do? In memory of you? In ongoing appreciation for what you’re doing for her and by extension for me?”
Ongoing thanks? That’s not needed. I just want her happy and well.
Just… “There is one thing. I’m going to give my island to Ella. That little speck in the ocean is a part of me. It was my refuge, my place to just be me. It’s the place I felt happiest.
“Ella and I spent a few days together there; they were the best days of my life. I want Ella to return my heart there every year on the same days we spent there… and remember me.”
“Done.” He nods. “Though I doubt we would ever forget you. You’ll be forever a part of our lives.”
I don’t remember when Aiden left, falling asleep with him sitting by my bed.
We chatted for a while longer. Not about Ella, or anything important, but we found common ground talking about guns, which led to reminiscing about our favorite childhood games, building treehouses, and going fishing. In some ways, our early days were similar, yet our environments growing up couldn’t have been more different.
I’m woken by a gentle hand rocking my shoulder. Doctor Romolo greets me for his morning routine checkup. Mateo is there too. He looks tired and… conflicted.
I widen my eyes at him, inviting him to speak.
“We’ve found lungs for you,” he says quietly. “Will you please reconsider your decision?” he pleads.
“How?”
“Twenty-six-year-old man, car accident… it’s all legitimate.”
“What about the heart?” I ask.
This time, Doctor Romolo speaks, “It’s not viable.”
“Please, Tiero,” Mateo says again. “I will move heaven and earth to find a heart for Ella. Please reconsider.”
“We don’t know how long before that would be, and she needs one now. No, everything will proceed as planned,” I say to my doctor. Looking at Mateo, I add, “I’m sorry, Brother.”
It would be the worst kind of torture to be given another chance at life, just to watch Ella die.
“But…” Mateo tries again, but I shake my head.
“My mind is made up. I’m content,” I tell him.
His face falls, and he turns to leave. “And Teo? Ella must never find out I declined… Promise me.” He nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, and steps outside, closing the door behind him.
