Chapter 4
Chapter 4
20
I felt a mix of emotions swirl inside me, but as I looked at my mom, I saw the worry and fear etched on her face, and my heart went out to her. I felt a pang of guilt for having been so angry with Ava carlier, and for not being more supportive. I never knew of Ava’s smoking habit which most had been peer pressure.
I took a deep breath and tried to process the news. A lung transplant? It sounded like a serious and complicated procedure. I looked at my mom, and saw the tears streaming down her face.
“What does this mean?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
My mom took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. “It means that Ava needs a new lung,” she said. “The doctor said that the damage is too extensive, and that a transplant is the only way to save her life.”
I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine. Save her life? It sounded so serious, so final.
“What can we do?” I asked, feeling a sense of determination wash over me.
My mom looked at me, and I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “We need to find a donor,” she said. “A matching donor. The doctor said that it’s a long shot, but it’s the only chance Ava has.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of resolve.
“Can you check if yours is a match?” A glint appeared in her eyes as she asked.
I felt a surge of surprise at my mom’s question. Me? A donor? I hadn’t even thought of that possibility. I looked at my mom, and saw the hope in her eyes. She was serious, staring at me with a pleading goofy eyes that I should consider.
“I…I don’t know,” I stammered, feeling a mix of emotions.
My mom took a step closer to me, her eyes locked on mine. “Please, sweetie,” she said, her voice trembling. “You’re Ava’s only hope. If you’re a match, you could save her life.”
I felt a weight settle on my shoulders as I considered my mom’s words. I thought about Ava, lying in the hospital bed, fighting for her life. I thought about the bracelet, and the hurt and anger I had felt. But most of all, I thought about the love and connection that Ava and I shared, despite her being the favorite.
I took a deep breath, and nodded. “Okay,” I said, my voice firm. “I’ll do it. I’ll get tested, and if I’m a match, I’ll donate my lung.”
My mom’s face lit up with tears of joy, and she threw her arms around me. “Thank you, sweetie,” she whispered, holding me tight. “Thank you for saving Ava’s life.”
That night as I lay on my bed, I scrolled on my phone researching about lung cancer. As much as I want to help Ava, I need to know the side effects from it.
I had made the decision to donate my lung to Ava, but I had no idea what the consequences would be. I read about the risks of lung surgery, the potential complications, and the long–term side effects on my own health.
I felt a knot in my stomach as I read about the possibility of chronic pains, reduced lung function, and the
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Chapter 4
increased risk of infections. I thought about my own life, my plans and dreams, and how this surgery could potentially impact them.
But as I continued to read, I also came across stories of people who had donated lungs and gone on to lead healthy, active lives. I saw testimonials from recipients who had been given a second chance at life, and I felt a sense of hope and determination.
Just as I was drifting off to sleep, my phone buzzed with a text from my mom. “Hey sweetie, I just wanted to say thank you again for what you’re doing for Ava. You’re an amazing sister and an incredible person. I love you.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of love and gratitude. I knew that I was doing this for Ava and the love I was receiving was because of Ava but I also knew that I was doing it because I loved them.
I typed out a response, my thumbs moving quickly over the keyboard. “I love you too, mom. I’m doing this for Ava, and for us. We’re going to get through this together.”
I woke feeling refreshed about today, I was going to have a test on if I can be her denor. I know there’s a huge possibility since I’m her twin but there’s a little bit of fear in me and lots of ‘what if’s, I just hope there’s no complications from her or me.
Picking up my phone to continue researching and prepare myself for the potential surgery, I could not shake off the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. My mum had been kind of insistent that I donate my lung to Ava, and while I understood their concern for her health, I couldn’t help but feel that there was more to it than that.
Getting to the hospital, I decided to do some more digging and spoke to the doctor that had given me a box of tissue once. I asked him about Ava’s condition and whether she could really not survive without a lung transplant.
The doctor stared at me with pity as he directed me to his office. “To be honest, your sister’s condition is serious, but it’s not necessarily life–threatening. With proper treatment and care, she can learn to cope with one lung.”
I felt a surge of surprise and confusion. “But my family said that she needs a lung transplant to survive,” I said. The doctor nodded. “I understand that your family is concerned about your sister’s health, but the truth is that she can adapt to living with one lung. It may take some time and rehabilitation, but it’s definitely possible.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
