Sunset Love

Synopsis

Fireworks exploded outside, their booms shaking the air. I lay curled up on the cold operating table, blood streaming down my legs and pooling on the floor. The baby we'd waited five years for was slipping away from me, silent and unseen. On Christmas Eve, when families were supposed to be together, I was trembling as I called my husband, Liam Smith, the head of surgery. When he finally picked up, his voice was low and impatient. "Ava's dog swallowed something and is at the vet for emergency treatment. Can you not cause drama right now?" "But I..." I started to say. "Enough! If you want to die, go die somewhere else. Don't spoil Christmas for us," he snapped. The dial tone cut through me like a knife to the heart. The nurse rolled a gurney over, her eyes full of sympathy. "Has your family arrived to sign the consent yet? If we don't operate soon, your life is in danger." I wiped the blood from my lips and stared out the window at the dazzling fireworks, my gaze empty and lifeless. "No need to wait," I replied quietly. "Just bring me the body donation form. I'll sign it."