"Assalamualaikum, Mr. Hashim, how are you?" Dr. Falih greeted.
"Waalaikumsalam, Doctor. I'm feeling a bit better today," Hashim replied.
"I have some good news for you. The hospital has found a liver donor for you. I think we shouldn't delay any longer. I need your consent so we can proceed with the surgery as soon as possible," Dr. Falih said, getting straight to the point.
Hashim, who had been brooding over his fate, now felt a glimmer of hope that he might continue living a better life.
"Oh Doctor, can I know who the donor is? Is the donation coming from someone who has already passed away?" Hashim asked.
He felt somewhat uneasy about receiving an organ from an unknown person, especially if that person was deceased. His thoughts were troubled by various scenarios.
"Maybe I've been too influenced by movies that involve organ donations," he pondered, drifting off into thoughts he wasn't sure about.
Dr. Falih anticipated such questions from patients like Hashim.
"Don't worry about that, Mr. Hashim. The liver transplant only involves a portion of the organ. We will remove the damaged part and replace it with the healthy portion from the donor. The donor is still alive, and the procedure won't harm them. Furthermore, organs like the liver can regenerate themselves," Dr. Falih reassured.
"Oh, and regarding the donor, they have requested that their identity remain confidential," Dr. Falih added.
"In that case, I hope you can convey my heartfelt thanks to the donor. May God reward them," Hashim requested.
Dr. Falih smiled and continued, "Mr. Hashim, please rest for a few tests. If everything goes well, we'll schedule the surgery in a few days."
The day ended with good news, but Hashim would continue to pray, as his mother had taught him, hoping that everything would go smoothly.
Two days before the surgery...
"Assalamualaikum, Hashim," his mother greeted him.
"Waalaikumsalam, Mother," Hashim replied, his eyes warmly taking in his mother's face.
Her presence always gave him strength. She had taught him to be resilient and to face life's challenges with determination.
"Mother will pray for everything to go well. Insha Allah. Don't worry," his mother said softly and calmly.
"Once it's all over, we can celebrate with a prayer of thanks, and hopefully, I can spend more time with you," she added.
Hashim's heart ached as he noticed tears welling up in his mother's eyes. He knew she was holding back her sadness.
"Mother, don't be sad. The doctor says everything will be fine," Hashim tried to comfort her, even though he himself felt more unsettled.
"Tomorrow, I have a small matter to attend to... After the surgery, we'll meet," his mother said.
"What's happening tomorrow?" Hashim asked.
"It's just a small matter. Don't worry about it. Focus on tomorrow and pray a lot," she replied.
"Alright, Mother... but today, I want to spend as much time with you as possible. I'll miss you otherwise," Hashim said with a light-hearted tone.
