The Do Not Resuscitate Order

【Survival Score has reached zero. Physical deletion sequence initiated. Countdown: 7 days.】 The System spoke over the hum of the hospital ventilation. Through the ICU waiting-room glass, I watched Arthur Moretti skim the transfer papers once and sign. The heart I had waited three years to receive matched me perfectly. His signature gave it to another woman. His stepsister, Lily. She stood beside him in a cashmere shawl, one hand curled around his arm. Powder paled her face. Whenever a nurse looked over, she leaned harder into Arthur. Arthur came in and reached toward the slot where my medication chart usually hung. He used to check my dosage before speaking to me after an episode. His hand stopped halfway. “Did you have another episode last night?” Lily entered behind him. Arthur glanced at her and pulled his hand back. “Enough, Evelyn. The performance is over.” “It was a match, Arthur.” My throat scraped around the words. “Dr. Miles confirmed it.” “And your ‘fainting spell’ happened on the day I became CEO three years ago.” He leaned over the rail. “You cried wolf once. I won't play the fool again.” Three years ago, I had been afraid his new position would take him from me. On the day he was named CEO, I faked a collapse. That one stupid lie had outlived every consultation, scan, blood test, and diagnosis since. Arthur only had to point to it. 【Pain receptors numbing. System will now minimize physical suffering to ensure host can complete final exit protocols.】 The ache behind my ribs eased in stages. I could see my fingers gripping the sheet, but I couldn't feel the effort. The rest of my body seemed a few feet away. Nothing hurt. I couldn't remember the last time that had been true. Arthur could believe whatever he wanted. Arthur watched my face, waiting for tears, vows, and the part where I begged him to stay. I pressed the nurse’s call button. The light above my bed turned red. A moment later, a young nurse bustled in. “Yes, Mrs. Moretti?” “I need a form. The Do Not Resuscitate order.” The nurse stopped beside the bed. Arthur moved closer. “What did you just say?” I kept my eyes on the nurse. “Please bring it.” The nurse looked between us, then hurried away. “This is a new low, Evelyn.” Arthur gripped the bed rail. “Threatening to die now? All for an audience?” “I’m not threatening you.” The numbness had reached my fingertips. “I'm done asking.” The nurse returned holding a clipboard with both hands. The signature and witness lines were marked in blue. Arthur blocked the ceiling light above my bed, but he didn't take the form. I signed my name on the line. *Evelyn Pierce.* Not Moretti. I returned the clipboard. “I also refuse any further treatment funded by the Moretti family. Starting now.” “Evelyn!” His shout rattled the metal tray beside my bed. I pulled the IV from the back of my hand. Blood ran over my knuckle and spotted the sheet. I pushed aside the blanket and put my feet on the floor. The hospital gown slid from my shoulders and gathered around my ankles, leaving the silk slip underneath. I stepped out of the gown and left it beside the bed. The floor was cold against my bare feet. I passed Arthur and reached the door. “You won't last two days,” he called after me. “You'll crawl back and beg me to save you.” I paused without turning. The System was already shutting down my organs. Arthur was still bargaining on two days. The call light kept blinking behind me. Seven days remained.