One Heart

The alarm sets off in the hospital. "Attention all staff! Patient 542 is missing." The nurses voice is booming through the speakers across the entire floor. I see a doctor coming in my direction and I run into the closest room I could find: room 176.

Closing the door behind me, I jump at the sudden voice. "I'm guessing you're patient 542?"

"The name's Andrea. Mind if I crash here?"

"Go ahead. My name is Cole, by the way." The boy introduces himself.

"So why are you here?" I ask.

He shrugs, "Just a fever, it's no big deal." I nod in understanding. "Why are you here?" He returns my question.

I don't answer. He would only pity like everyone else does. Instead, I change topics.

"How old are you Cole?" I find out he's only a year older than me, 19. Turns out we have a lot in common. He plays the piano, I listen to music. He paints and well, I am the ultimate critique.

We stay up the whole night talking until a nurse comes in to check up on him. I hide under the bed. I think I'm starting to like this guy. He makes me feel comfortable and safe.

"Any news on the missing patient?" Cole's question gets my attention. The nurse tells him I'm still missing.

"What's wrong with her?" Cole asks, and I tense up. Please, don't tell him.

"I'm not suppose to tell you this but she's suffering from major depression. Two suicide attempts." Cole nods, thanking the nurse, as he watches her walk out and close the door.

"Andrea..." I stop him.

"No Cole. You had no right to ask that. It's personal. She had no right to tell you." I look around to check that it's clear and proceed back to my room.

A few days pass, and I decide to go see Cole again, but he's gone.

The nurse spots me and immediately instructs that I go back to my room. "Where is Cole? I ask, refusing to move until she answers.

"Patient 172 is currently in the operating room." I freeze.

"Operating room? It's just a fever."

The nurse looks at me with pity, "Honey, he has a serious heart condition. If he doesn't get a heart transplant soon, he won't make it. "

Two weeks later:

Congratulations Cole, you're going to live." The doctor tells me. I can't help but think about Andrea. I need to see her.

"Hey Doc, could I visit the patient in room 542?" I ask. The doctor stays silent for a moment before reaching into his pocket and handing me a note.

It reads:

"Cole, you've made me the happiest girl in the world and I love you for it. I don't regret choosing your room because the last few days with you have been some of the best in my entire life. I hope you can forgive me for this choice that I'm making. I'm giving you my heart. Please take care of it."

-Love, Andrea