AFTER SIX HOURS
Kim opened her eyes slowly, blinking severally to have a clearer view of where she was. She finally got a clearer view and she turned her head to see Sara sitting next to her and staring at her.
“Hi Kim.” Sara said smiling widely and she responded smiling faintly. “Hi Ma'am Sara.” She said weakly. “How do you feel? Are you alright? I can get a doctor for you if necessary,” she said and Kim shook her head.
“Oh, you don’t have to. It is not that bad.” Kim responded and Sara nodded, smiling. “Thank you so much.” She said and Kim looked at her again. “What for?” She asked.
“For doing this for my son.” She said and Kim shook her head. “You don’t have to be, I did it for myself. I would never forgive myself if Landon died so early because of my silly mistake, which I never said sorry for.” She said and Sara smiled.
She reached for her hand and kissed the back of her hand. “I should be grateful, Kimberly. You thought about this because you have conscience and because you like my son. No random person can do what you have done.” Sara said and Kimberly smiled in response.
“Have you heard from my family ? My mom or dad?” she asked and Sara shook her head. “Not from your mom but from your dad. He is here in the hospital,” she said and Kim's eyes widened. “He knows what is going on? Oh No.” Kim said, shutting her eyes tightly.
“I am sorry Kim. I couldn’t hide it from him.” Sara apologized and Kim opened her eyes. “How is he now? Where is he?” she asked nervously. “After the surgeon came out, he was about to give us the report when he collapsed. But you don’t have to worry, he has been admitted and he is doing well.” She said and tears rolled down Kim's face.
“And my Mom? Did she call or visit?” She asked in a shaky voice and Sara shook her head. “I am sorry but she didn’t. She probably didn’t hear about what was going on.” Sara muttered and Kim shook her head.
“She did hear, she just doesn’t give a f**k.” Kim spat in anger and Sara felt so down seeing her that way. Why would a mother abandon such an amazing child or husband? “I am sure she will be here soon and she will explain herself. Please don’t hate her.” Sara pleaded and Kim cleaned her eyes.
“You don’t have to plead for her. She isn’t worth it.” She said and there was silence between them for minutes. “How is Landon? Have they given him?” Kim asked, breaking the silence. “Not yet. But they will soon.” Sara replied and Kim smiled widely.
“I can’t wait to see him smile again, to see him trouble me so much. I can’t wait to get so mad at him and tell him I hate him.” She said with a large smile on her face and tears filled Sara's eyes.
“You did what I as a mother couldn’t think of doing. You gave up your kidney even though you know you would be on drugs for the rest of your life. We owe you Kimberly, Landon owes you his life.” Sara stated cleaning the tears that rolled down her eyes.
“Ma’am can you do me a favor?” she asked and Sara nodded. “Anything Kimberly, I will do anything for you, my child.” She said and Kim grinned. “Can you please not tell Landon I was the donor? I don’t want him to find out.” She said and Sara arched her brows.
“Why? Why would I do that? That would be so mean of me.” Sara said and Kim shook her head. “I don’t want him to find out. I have my reasons.” She said and Sara insisted. “No, Kim. I can’t do this, I can’t keep it to myself. He deserves to know.” She said and Kim sighed.
“If he knows we can’t be like how we were anymore, He would never forgive himself and he would hate you for not telling him.” She said and Sara smiled. “I can handle him hating me. But what I can’t handle is him not knowing how lucky he is to have you.” She said and tears flowed down Kim's eyes.
“Can you please tell him after he has been given then? And we should wait for him to ask before we tell him. If he doesn’t ask, please do me the favor of not saying a word to Him about this.” She pleaded and Sara nodded.
“I can manage to do that. But once he asks, I would tell him everything. Are you okay with that?” Sara asked and Kim nodded. “Thank you, Ma'am.” She said, “No, thank you, Kim,” Sara responded, rubbing her hand and kissing it again.
***
Landon heard the door of the ward open jolting him out of his sleep. He opened his eyes and turned to look at who came in. It was the doctor. He had this wide smile on his face which made him wonder what was going on.
“Hi, Mr. Landon Hernandez.” He said smiling and Landon managed to smile back. “Hi, doctor. Looks like being in a good mood. Did you get promoted?” he asked and the doctor chuckled.
“I didn’t, but I have great news for you.” He said and Landon smiled. “Really? I have another two days to live?” he asked and the doctor shook his head.
“Not days or weeks, but years.” He said and Landon's mouth fell open. “Wow. You found a medication that would help my pathetic life?” He asked and the doctor shook his head.
“No Landon. We finally found a kidney for you!” He said and Landon's eyes widened. “You did! Are you serious?” he asked happily and the doctor bobbed.
“100% serious Mr. Landon. We are going into the O.R in the next one hour. We would be giving it to you.” He said and Landon laughed happily. “Wow! This is so great! Thank you so much for not giving up the search.” He said and he nodded.
“You should thank me. You should thank your donor.” He said and Landon furrowed his brows. “My donor? Who is that?” He asked anxiously.
“The…” “Landon, you are awake,” Sara said in haste, cutting the doctor off. “Yes mom,” Landon replied happily.
“Doctor, can you give my son some minutes? You can continue later,” she said and he nodded. “Sure. Congratulations once again Mr. Landon.” He said and Landon nodded. “Thank you so much.” He responded as the doctor walked out of the ward. Sara sighed in relief, she cut in just in time.