The clinic was quiet.
Lucas leaned against the head of the bed, speaking slowly, deliberately recounting his story.
"Seven years ago, I suddenly developed severe heart disease. I was on the brink of death. Doctors said only a heart transplant could save me."
His eyes drifted toward the distance.
"Just when I was about to give up, the hospital told me they found a matching donor. The surgery went perfectly. I survived. For years, I've wanted to know who the donor was... to thank their family personally."
He turned to Maya.
"Every year, I asked the surgeon who performed my operation. But he never told me. Until yesterday. I asked again. I pressed him so relentlessly he finally gave me the donor's name."
Maya's heart skipped. A bad premonition crept through her chest.
"The donor's nam
