Chapter 6 - THE BROTHER WHO REFUSED TO BE SAVED
Eli collapsed on a Tuesday afternoon.
Tessa was at work when his college called.
He had experienced a cardiac episode during class.
An ambulance transported him to the hospital.
By the time Tessa arrived, he was conscious but exhausted.
She sat beside his bed.
“Don't ever scare me like that again.”
Eli smiled weakly.
“Excellent medical advice.”
She tried to laugh.
Instead, she cried.
The cardiologist explained that Eli needed further evaluation and adjustments to his treatment plan.
His condition remained serious, but the team was optimistic about managing it.
Tessa listened carefully.
Asked questions.
Took notes.
Then stepped into the hallway and stared at the insurance information on her phone.
She had benefits again.
But there were still deductibles.
Travel costs.
Time away from work.
The arithmetic returned.
Roman arrived an hour later.
Tessa stared.
“What are you doing here?”
“Naomi told me Eli was hospitalized.”
“You shouldn't be here.”
He stopped.
“Then I'll leave.”
She looked at him.
He was holding a paper bag.
“What's that?”
“Food.”
“I don't need charity.”
“It's a sandwich.”
She stared.
Roman glanced down.
“Two sandwiches, actually.”
Despite herself, Tessa laughed.
A tired, broken sound.
Roman held out the bag.
She took it.
They sat in the waiting area.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Then Roman said, “My younger sister had a congenital heart condition.”
Tessa looked up.
“You have a sister?”
“Had.”
Her expression changed.
“I'm sorry.”
Roman nodded.
“She died when she was seventeen.”
Tessa swallowed.
“What was her name?”
“Lena.”
He looked toward the hospital corridor.
“She hated when people talked about her like she was fragile.”
Tessa thought of Eli.
“He hates that too.”
Roman nodded.
“Then listen when he tells you what he wants.”
Tessa looked at him.
“What?”
“You love him. That's obvious.”
She stared.
“But he's twenty. He needs to be part of the decisions about his own life.”
The words stung.
Because they were true.
That evening, Tessa returned to Eli's room.
He was watching a basketball game.
She sat beside him.
“Can we talk?”
He glanced over.
“That sounds ominous.”
She smiled.
“I know.”
Then she took his hand.
“I've been making decisions for you since you were little.”
Eli looked at her.
“Because you had to.”
“Maybe.”
She swallowed.
“But you're not little anymore.”
His eyes softened.
“Tess.”
“I want you to help decide what happens next.”
He stared.
Then smiled.
“Finally.”
She laughed through tears.
And for the first time in years, being his sister felt possible again.
May you like
Not just being his guardian.
His sister.
