Joanne was distraught when she accidentally shattered a bowl. As she gathered the sharp fragments, one lacerated her finger.
She instinctively sucked the bleeding wound, the iron taste of blood coating her tongue.
She tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.
At dawn, before she could fully wake, the hospital's call shattered the morning silence: Kyle's transplant surgery had been canceled.
She bolted upright in bed, her voice tight with panic. "Why? What happened?"
"The donor's family withdrew consent. They've withdrawn the donation."
"Give me their number," Joanne pressed. "I need to talk to them myself."
"We can't disclose that information," came the apologetic reply. "I know this is devastating, but we're still negotiating with the family. Please be patient."
Joanne clenche
