Shinhay

‘The living room was filled with black and grey balloons, the curtains were silver and white, and the dining table was loaded with all sorts of foods, sweet and salty and dear parents were welcoming the guests with joy. Looking at how happy everyone was from the stairs felt so surreal. I couldn’t believe that after all these years, my family and friends agreed for a get together and the fact that this was possible on my 18th birthday, I couldn’t help but be clouded with ironic delight.

I remember walking towards the table where my birthday cake was put, the smile on my face started fading as I got closer to the cake, the air conditioners were working just fine yet I could feel the sweat dropping off my forehead, I felt less control upon my vision and everything out of focus. I couldn’t hear the giggles and laughter of my loved ones as it felt vague and indistinct.

I then reached to the table and that’s when it felt as if all the energy was drawn out of my body. I started trembling and ran out of breath and before I knew it, I was down on the floor. The next thing I remember was opening my eyes in the hospital room with my brother beside me with tears in his eyes. “Bro” I said “I didn’t think I’d see you any time soon. How did you get here?”

My twin brother, Ishanhay, was studying abroad since we were fifteen. I always told my parents how much I missed even though we face timed every day. Apparently, he was supposed to be my birthday present and me, his. Few minutes later, my parents walk in the room with the doctor. The expression ‘poor her’ was written all over their face but I couldn’t do anything else and just smiled at them and before I asked “I’m glad you opened your eyes. The rest of the team and I didn’t think you were going to regain consciousness today and that lead me to believe that you are a fighter” the doctor said “Your heart is expiring. In fact, 27% of your weak little heart as stopped function already. You need a heart transplant and for that you have to match with the donor. Unfortunately, our hospital, like every other hospital in this city, mostly get donors of age fifty-eight and above and for you, as you are only eighteen of age, you need a young donor. It won’t be easy for you to find a donor here Miss Bong. It really won’t be. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

I wasn’t scared for myself but for my parents as I could see the tears rolling off their cheeks. Even though it’s been two years since this incident happened but I vividly remember it just like it happened yesterday.’