Chapter Text
The first thing I notice when I wake up is the bright white light.
I blink a few times, trying to concentrate, while all around me there are the sounds of machinery and a low beep. My head throbs as I try to recall recent events. Scenes flash quickly through my mind, as if I were fast-forwarding.
The truck colliding with the car.
The car overturning.
Gina and Augusto screaming.
Then just silence and darkness.
I sit up in bed quickly and start pulling at the wires around one of my arms, barely noticing that the other is in a full cast. All I can think about is finding Gina and Augustus. I need to know if they're all right, if my family is safe. I'm quickly prevented from getting up by a man in a white coat, who appears at my side without me even noticing where he's come from.
Fuck.
- Mr. Blake, please calm down. You can't get up yet. I'm the doctor looking after you, my name is Jackson. How are you feeling?
- Gina... Augustus... where are they? - I say hoarsely, feeling slightly dizzy.
- Please lie down again, Mr. Blake. You're under the effects of various medications because you've had a serious accident. You've broken an arm, some ribs, suffered several cuts and a concussion. You can't get up yet. Do you remember anything? - says Jackson seriously.
A groan of pain escapes my lips as I answer.
- I remember being in the car with my family, coming back from the restaurant. There was a speeding truck overtaking in a forbidden place and we were about to hit it head-on. I tried to swerve but we were still hit and overturned. Now where are my son and wife? Are they all right? - I ask anxiously.
Before Jackson can answer, a nurse arrives and starts to put the needle with the medication back into my arm.
- This is Nurse Maya, who is responsible for you as well as me. Your son is fine. It was a real miracle, he had very few injuries and is in the pediatric ward under observation. His mother and sister are at the hospital and are already with him. He'll be fine, don't worry. - says Jackson with a slight smile.
I let out a sigh of relief, silently thanking God that my son is out of danger.
For a moment I thought something might have happened to my boy. However, after a few seconds I realize that Jackson hasn't said anything about Gina's condition and the relief I'm feeling fades as I ask again about my wife.
- And Gina? How's my wife, Doctor? - I ask fearfully.
Doctor Jackson and Nurse Maya exchange glances and I feel a chill run down my spine as my heart squeezes.
If something has happened to Gina, I won't be able to bear it.
- Doctor? Where's Gina? - I insist.
Something in his eyes gives away the answer before he even says it.
I feel an enormous pain in my chest and I can't breathe for a moment.
Jackson's words ring out in the face of my torment.
- I'm sorry, Mr. Blake. Your wife took most of the impact, mainly to the head. There was nothing to be done, she was brain dead on the spot. I'm really sorry. - says Jackson sadly.
Tears fall from my eyes as several memories of Gina invade my mind.
My sweet Gina, bright as sunshine.
The one who always brought peace to my days, my companion at every moment of my life, who had been part of my story since childhood. Gina Martin was everything to me. My best friend, my girlfriend, my fiancée and my wife. We had a perfect life but there were still so many plans and dreams to be fulfilled.
Now it's all over.
Tears flow from my eyes. I cry for Augusto who, at just three years old, has already lost his mother. He will hardly remember Gina. He won't remember her loving face, her happy laugh, her smell and how he only slept with her stroking his hair.
I cry for the woman I've loved practically all my life, knowing that I'll never love anyone again.
- Mr. Blake, I understand that this is a very difficult time, but I need to ask you before it's too late. Do you know if your wife would be interested in being an organ donor? Her early departure could give several other people the chance to live. - says Jackson professionally.
Although I'm in no position to make any decisions right now, it's not something I have to think about too much.
I know what Gina would choose, because she has always wanted to help others.
I look at Doctor Jackson with tears in my eyes, but I answer firmly.
- Yes, you can donate. I just have one condition. I want to know who your heart will go to.