Chapter 29: Offer Your Own Heart
Deborah sobbed softly. “Stop arguing. It’s all my fault. Caleb warned me, but I insisted on giving Jesse the fruit, and now he’s ended up in the hospital. If anything were to happen to him, I don’t think I could live with myself…”
Yelena was consumed by anguish, pacing anxiously down the corridor. “Where can we possibly find a suitable heart for Jesse?” Time was slipping away, and finding a compatible donor was no easy task.
Deborah heard Yelena talking to herself and volunteered, “Take my heart! I’m willing to give my life to save Jesse’s!”
Her words stunned George, who responded in a hushed but alarmed tone, “Have you lost your mind? Hospitals only accept donors who are brain dead. You’re alive and well. They won’t agree to this!”
“If it comes to it, I’d rather die!”
Deborah was overcome with despair, her body trembling as she collapsed against the wall. Raquel quickly rushed to her side, gripping her firmly. “Mrs. Quixall, you’re not young anymore. I don’t think your heart would be suitable for Jesse. Maybe we should explore other options, reach out to more people. Who knows, we might discover a new solution.”
Deborah’s expression was one of confusion and hopelessness. “But who can we turn to? Who would willingly give up their life for Jesse?”
As the question lingered in the air, everyone’s gaze gradually turned toward Caleb. Caleb responded indifferently. “Why are you all looking at me? Jesse and I have no familial or personal ties. I wouldn’t sacrifice myself for him.”
Deborah mumbled in disappointment, “You’re right… You’re also my child. I can’t give up on you…”
Just then, the doors to the emergency room swung open. “The patient has regained consciousness. You may go in to see him now, but please keep it brief. Staying too long could endanger his condition.”
Despite the doctor’s cold demeanor, his words brought Deborah unexpected relief. “Thank you! I’m going to see him right away!”
Dodging past the doctor, Deborah quickly rushed inside. George and Yelena followed closely behind, leaving Caleb standing alone in his original spot. Their actions made it clear that they were ready to sacrifice him, just as they had five years ago. To them, only Jesse’s life mattered; everyone else was disposable.
“Where do you think you’re going? Jesse wants to see you. Come with me!” George demanded, ignoring Caleb’s resistance as he dragged him into the emergency room.
Inside, Jesse lay pale and colorless, his lips drained of life. “Caleb, you’re here…” He gave a weak smile. “Mom and Dad told me it might be impossible to find a suitable donor. This could be our last meeting, so consider these my parting words. Can you forgive me?” Caleb’s face was expressionless. “Why bother asking if you don’t care about my answer?”
Yelena, unable to contain herself any longer, finally snapped. She slapped Caleb across the face. “This is Jesse’s final plea! How can you be so heartless? As his older brother, can’t you show even a shred of compassion?”
Caleb retorted. “What kind of compassion are you expecting? Do you think I’m only compassionate if I give up my heart and disappear quietly? You’re his biological sister. Why don’t you risk everything and offer your own heart?”
Yelena gritted her teeth in frustration. “Fine. I’ll prove it!” She hurriedly pulled Caleb away. Deborah’s frantic cries echoed behind them, but Yelena refused to listen or stop. Deborah was left trembling and drenched in sweat.
“Nothing bad will happen to those two kids, right?” Jesse’s health remained fragile, yet the other children were stirring up chaos within the household. George, plagued by a throbbing headache, dismissed the commotion with a wave of his hand. “What’s the worst that could happen? It’s worth a try. Every attempt raises Jesse’s chances of surviving.”