Chapter 11 - THE GIRL WHO GOT A SECOND CHANCE
Lily's condition remained serious.
Her doctors continued evaluating treatment options, including advanced mechanical support while she waited for a suitable donor heart.
Days passed.
Then weeks.
I stayed close.
Mateo visited when Lily wanted company.
He brought books.
Crossword puzzles.
And terrible jokes.
Lily adored him.
She called him “Pie Guy” even after learning his real name.
One afternoon, she looked at us.
“So.”
I frowned.
“So what?”
She smiled.
“Are you finally dating?”
Mateo nodded.
“Yes.”
Lily grinned.
“About time.”
I rolled my eyes.
“You're supposed to be resting.”
She smiled.
“I'm multitasking.”
Then, one evening, the transplant team received an offer that might be suitable for Lily.
The doctors explained the uncertainties and necessary evaluations.
I sat beside her while the team reviewed the medical information.
Hours passed.
Then the surgeon returned.
The organ had been accepted.
I began crying.
Lily squeezed my hand.
“Harley.”
I looked at her.
“Yeah?”
She smiled.
“Maybe we get lucky.”
The surgery lasted hours.
Mateo stayed beside me.
He didn't leave.
When the surgeon finally emerged, I stood so quickly my chair fell backward.
“The operation is complete,” she said.
“Lily is in intensive care. The next several days are critical.”
I covered my mouth.
Mateo held my hand.
It wasn't a promise that everything would be easy.
But it was a chance.
May you like
A real one.
And for the first time in years, I allowed myself to imagine Lily growing old.
