“Based on her current condition, we might need to add new medications to help manage her symptoms and stabilize her heart function,” Dr. Laine continues, her eyes scanning the data on her screen. “The only medication she’s on is the pill, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. Her medical records are sparse. I’ll come back when I have more information.”
Dr. Laine exits the room after that, leaving me with my thoughts. I have no idea what’s wrong with Delilah and it’s driving me insane. The only thing Idoknow is I contributed to her current state and it’s killing me.
The door swings open, and Declan steps in. He surveys the room quickly, his eyes finally settling on me, his expression grim. “X, how’s she holding up?”
I rub the back of my neck, fatigue pulling at my muscles. “It’s serious. They’re talking about a full cardiac workup.”
Declan’s brow furrows deeply at the news. “Damn, I’m sorry to hear that, man. If there’s anything I can do?—”
“You’ve done enough by just bringing her here,” I say. “I can’t ask for more than that, not when you’ve provided both protection and healthcare.”
He glances at Delilah, then back at me. “I’m going to grab some clothes for us, maybe hit the showers. After that, I’ll be back, and we’ll figure this shit out.”
“Thanks.”
Holding the clothes Declan brought,I turn to face him. He’s standing by Delilah’s bedside, his expression somber while vigilant.
“Declan, I’m trusting you to watch over her,” I say. “You’re the only one I can rely on right now.”
He nods, understanding the depth of what I’m asking. “She’s in safe hands. Go on and get cleaned up. I’ve got this.”
The warmth of the shower is a small solace, a brief reprieve from the world outside. I scrub away the grit of the past hours, preparing for whatever comes next.
Refreshed but still carrying the stress of the situation, I put on the clean clothes, more than ready to return to Delilah’s side. Stepping out of the shower room, the return to reality hits hard with the sterile smell of the hospital and the muted beeps of machinery.
As I make my way back to Delilah’s room, Dr. Laine meets me in the hallway before following me inside. Her expression is professional, but the slight downturn of her lips speaks volumes before she even begins to deliver her update.
“We’ve completed our evaluation, and I have some important information about Delilah’s condition.”
I nod, bracing myself.
“Based on the comprehensive cardiac workup, it’s clear the patient has a congenital heart defect that wasn’t documented in her medical records. The myocardial infarction she experienced damaged her heart to the point that medication alone will not be sufficient.” The doctor pauses and takes a deep breath. “She needs a heart transplant. It’s the best course of action to ensure her long-term survival and quality of life.”
The words land like a blow, despite the preparation I’d given myself. “A transplant,” I repeat slowly, reality settling in. It’s a daunting prospect, filled with risks and uncertainties.
“Yes, a transplant,” Dr. Laine says, her tone firm. “We need to start the process immediately to get her on the transplant list. Time is critical in these situations.”
A heart transplant. This isn’t just a close call to heal and move past; it’s a life-threatening situation that Delilah will have to deal with, and it’s one I’ve inadvertently hastened.
I nod, barely processing her words about next steps, about referrals to specialists, and about the importance of keeping her stress levels meticulously controlled. All I can see is Delilah, all I can hear is the echo of her laughter in my mind, now overlaid with the incessant beeping of machines.
As Dr. Laine prepares to leave, I catch her by the arm. “How long does she have?”
The doctor turns back to me, her eyes wide. “It’s difficult to give an exact timeframe. It depends on many factors including her overall health, the effectiveness of the current medical management, and the progression of her heart disease. I suggest?—”
I shake her. “Give me a fucking answer.”
“The truth is, without a transplant, we’re likely looking at months rather than years. Every case is unique, but given Delilah’s current state and the progression we’ve seen, her heart is under severe strain.”
I release the physician, swallowing hard.
Months. Not years.
“We’re doing everything we can to manage her symptoms and prevent any further damage,” Dr. Laine continues. “But it’s crucial we proceed with the transplant evaluation quickly. The sooner we can get her on the transplant list, the better her chances.”
