The nurse at the reception was just going through the screen, and the cry of a baby was heard from one of the wards.
Alicia sat on the bench, her fingers locked tightly together, she was rubbing them together to reduce the anxiety that was building up.
Her eyes were fixed on the closed ICU doors where Lucas had just been wheeled in. Beside her, Amaya rubbed her back gently, while Becky stood leaning against the wall, arms folded, tapping her heel softly against the floor.
They had been waiting for what felt like hours.
The tension between the three of them was unspoken but still loud, more like they could hear each other's breath.
Finally, the doctor appeared from the room, stethoscope in hand and a serious look on his face. He walked up to them and cleared his throat gently.
"Mrs. David," he said, eyes meeting Alicia's. "May I see you in my office?"
Alicia stood slowly. Her legs were shaky beneath her, but she followed the doctor down the corridor.
Becky frowned. "Why just her?"
Amaya crossed her arms tightly. "Because she's the wife. That's how this works."
********
Inside the doctor's office, Alicia sat across from him, her heart pounding louder than his words at first, she was rubbing her thighs and nodding her head.
"I won't sugarcoat it," the doctor said, placing the file gently on the desk. "Your husband's condition is very serious. Both of his kidneys have failed. He will need a transplant, urgently, or he won't survive."
She blinked hard. "Is there… is there any match available?"
The doctor shook his head. "Not at the moment. We've tested the standard emergency donor database. So far, no match has been found."
Her throat became dry. "What can we do?"
"You, family members, or close relations can volunteer to be tested. But it must be done soon."
Alicia nodded, standing. "I'll do it. I want to be tested."
He gave her a look of quiet sympathy. "We'll schedule you in the morning."
Outside the doctor's office, Amaya watched Alicia walk out of the office with a pale face.
"What did he say?" she asked quickly.
Alicia opened her mouth, but her voice came out as a whisper. "His kidneys… they're dead. Both of them."
Amaya gasped. "What?"
"They need a donor, unfortunately, there's no match yet."
Amaya stood still for a second, then suddenly her eyes widened. "Wait… those pills. The ones you said he kept taking, he told you they were just painkillers."
Alicia nodded slowly, her mind spinning. "I should have asked more questions."
"Maybe he lied to you, he knew something was wrong."
She didn't reply, she allowed the tears forming in her eyes to flow.
***
That night at home, the house was too quiet.
Alicia sat on her bed, her back placed on the soft pillow, arms wrapped protectively around Maya, who was fast asleep on her chest. The little girl's breath rose and fell softly, unaware of the storm circling her family.
She gently stroked Maya's hair, her mind far away. Her heart was heavy. She hadn't slept since Lucas collapsed. Her thoughts kept replaying the doctor's words, over and over.
"No match available… urgent transplant…"
The door opened.
Becky stepped in, holding a cup of tea and wearing the same black dress from earlier.
She looked at Alicia for a moment before speaking. "Are you going to let your husband die?"
Alicia looked up slowly. "God forbid. Lucas will never die."
Becky raised a brow. "So what now?"
"I'll go for a test tomorrow," Alicia said quietly. "If I'm a match, I'll give him my kidney."
Becky nodded like she expected that. "Of course you will."
Alicia's gaze didn't leave her sister's face. "Because that's what a wife does."
Becky didn't answer. She turned and walked out of the room without another word.
*****
The next morning, she was looking at the mirror, tying her hair into a bun, when Amaya burst in.
"Ali, please tell me you're not doing what I think you're about to do," she said, breathless.
"I've already called the hospital," Alicia replied. "My test is in an hour."
Amaya stepped forward, almost pleading. "He lied to you. He doesn't look like or behave like someone who loves you. You can't keep giving your body to someone who keeps breaking your heart."
Alicia looked down at her lap. "It doesn't matter, you know."
"Then why?"
"Because I made a vow, Amaya. In sickness and in health."
"But what about your health?"
Alicia stood up and met her best friend's eyes. "I'm doing this for Maya. She needs her father alive."
Amaya's face fell. "You're going to kill yourself for a man who wouldn't lift a finger if the roles were reversed."
She smiled faintly. "I'll survive. I always do."
******
The hospital was cold again.
This time, Alicia lay back on a chair while a nurse drew blood from her arm. Another nurse was taking samples and logging them into the system.
Amaya sat beside her, arms crossed tightly, refusing to look.
"You're doing the wrong thing," she muttered.
"I know," Alicia whispered. "But it still feels like the right thing."
*****
Two days passed. Alicia didn't sleep. She went about her duties like a ghost, checking on Maya, answering her calls, but never really present.
Then, on the third day, her phone rang.
It was the doctor.
She dressed quickly and rushed to the hospital. Amaya came along, and the entire ride to the hospital was silent..
They were taken to the consultation room. The doctor walked in holding the file that could change everything.
He sat down across from Alicia and opened it.
A long pause.
Then he looked up and spoke slowly.
"Alicia… you're a match."
Alicia felt her breath escape her body. Her hands shook in her lap. Amaya stood up, eyes wide in disbelief.
"So… what happens now?"
The doctor closed the file and looked her in the eye.
"Now, we prepare for surgery."