Chapter 4

A flicker of hesitation crossed William's eyes. He looked as if he was about to agree.

But before he could speak, the surgeon came in, pushing a gurney.

Lucy seized the moment.

"Will, the kidney surgery will only take an hour or two," she said. "It won't make a difference if you go later."

I watched as William was wheeled away on the surgical bed. My heart felt like it was turning to ashes.

When I returned to Charlie's ward, he was lying there—small, frail, alone.

Like a little sapling about to wither, yet still smiling at me with that…