Aurora tapped her fingers against the back of her phone, irritation creeping in.
She had expected resistance, but she hadn’t anticipated a complete lack of willing candidates.
Three years was a long commitnt—she knew that—but she had also assud the money would be enough to persuade at least one person.
It seed she had underestimated the weight of the request.
With a sigh, she ended the last call and set her phone down.
Aurora sighed and tucked her phone into the deepest part of her dresser drawer, making sure it was well hidden beneath layers of clothes.
She couldn’t afford anyone finding it—especially not now.
Just as she was about to relax, a sharp pain twisted in her stomach.
A cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Her breathing grew shallow. Sothing was wrong.
Gritting her teeth, she stood up, clutching her stomach as another wave of pain hit her. She needed to get to the bathroom—fast.
Stumbling toward the door, she barely made it before she fell to her knees in front of the toilet.
A horrible nausea swelled in her chest, and monts later, she threw up violently.
Her body trembled as she gasped for air, her arms weak against the porcelain rim.
Just then, the door burst open.
"Aurora!" Olivia’s panicked voice rang out as she rushed inside.
She crouched beside Aurora, her hands gently rubbing her back in soothing circles.
"Breathe, okay? Just breathe. It’s going to be alright."
Aurora wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, feeling completely drained.
Olivia reached for so tissues, helping her clean up before offering a glass of water. "Here, rinse your mouth."
Aurora obeyed, her fingers trembling as she took the cup.
The cool water washed away the bitter taste, but the uneasiness in her stomach remained.
"Why didn’t you tell you were feeling sick?" Olivia frowned, concern clear in her eyes.
Aurora shook her head weakly. "I thought it would pass."
Olivia sighed. "Co on, let’s get you to bed."
With Olivia’s help, Aurora slowly stood up. Her legs felt like jelly, and she leaned on her sister for support as they made their way back to her room.
That night, Aurora lay in bed, exhausted. Her body ached, but her mind refused to rest.
Hours later, Adam and Mary returned ho. Aurora heard their voices outside her room before the door creaked open.
Mary stepped in first, holding a white envelope in her hands. Adam followed behind, his expression unreadable.
"Aurora," Mary said gently, sitting beside her on the bed. "We got the test results back."
Aurora didn’t respond.
Adam’s voice was firm but calm. "You need to be admitted to the hospital in four days."
Silence stretched between them.
Aurora stared at the ceiling, her thoughts unreadable.
Four days.
She had four days before she would be stuck in a hospital.
She simply nodded, her face betraying nothing.
The next day.
Aurora continued her search for soone to play the role of a wealthy businessman, but no matter how many numbers she called, the answer remained the sa.
"No way."
"Not happening."
"Find soone else."
It was frustrating, but she didn’t let it show.
........
"Aurora...Aurora..." A lodious voice sounded.
Aurora looked around with difficulty. She was surrounded by the familiar white mist.
"Who?" She asked in a groggy voice.
She felt as if her energy was getting drained.
"Aurora...make a deal with ...You can be cured...without getting your Kidney...removed and going through...chemotherapy..." The lodious voice sounded again.
Aurora was stunned. She tried her best to stay awake and mutter,
"What?"
The voice repeated itself, its tone calm and hypnotic.
"Aurora... make a deal with ... You can be cured... without getting your kidney removed and going through... chemotherapy..."
Aurora’s head felt heavy, her body weak. It was hard to think, but she forced her lips to move. "What... do you want in return?"
A soft chuckle echoed around her. "You must give three years of your life."
Aurora’s half-conscious mind struggled to process the words. "Three years? What... do you an?"
"For the next three years, you will be in a coma. You will not wake up, not feel anything, not move. But when you open your eyes again... you will be completely cured."
Her heart pounded. Three years? Sleeping for three whole years?
She wanted to ask more, but before she could say anything, her eyelids snapped open.
The white mist vanished, and she found herself staring at the ceiling of her bedroom.
Was it really just a dream? Aurora’s fingers curled into the sheets as she tried to steady her breathing. It had felt so real.
Her thoughts swirled in chaos.
If the voice was telling the truth, then it could save her. But three years was a long ti. Would she wake up to find everything had changed?
But then again, if she didn’t accept... she would have to go through painful treatnts.
The surgery, the endless chemotherapy, the sickness... and even after all that, there was no guarantee she would survive.
Aurora clenched her jaw. She had spent years calculating risks, making the best out of bad situations.
She knew she needed to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Was it worth it?
Aurora gritted her teeth. She needed more answers. Maybe if she slept again, she would return to that dream. Maybe the voice would appear once more.
Closing her eyes, she willed herself to sleep. Hours passed, but the dream never ca.
The next day, she went back to her usual routine, hiding her frustration.
She kept making calls, searching for soone to play the role of a wealthy businessman.
But the answers were always the sa—no one was willing.
Night ca again, and exhaustion pulled her into sleep.
And just like before, she was surrounded by the white mist.
Aurora imdiately spoke, her voice steady this ti.
"Who are you? Why are you offering this deal?"
The voice chuckled.
"I am simply soone who wishes to help you. You do not have to accept, but the offer stands."
User Comments
0 comments from readers