Tabitha's POV
I knew that Klein was unwilling to accept my kidney, but a twist of fate made our kidneys match.
His advanced kidney failure left him with no choice but to rely on dialysis just to stay alive.
As the family's heir, he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. So, despite his reluctance, he had to get that transplant done ASAP.
Klein looked at me, a hint of empathy in his eyes. "Tabitha, if you wanna back out, I won't blame you. I can find another donor."
I shook my head and replied firmly, "Klein, I've made up my mind."
We weren't related by blood, but he helped me again and again. The only way I could repay him was to give him my kidney.
My hands were already disabled, and I was suffering from a serious illness. I probably didn't have much time left.
Being able to help Klein before my time ran out gave me a strange sense of comfort.
I reassured him, "You don't have to worry about anything. I'm an adult, so I know what I'm doing, and I can take responsibility for my own life. Let's not drag this out any longer. You've got loads to handle back home, and your sister's still missing. Don't waste your time here."
Klein sighed, "I've never met anyone as considerate as you. It'd be so nice if you were my sister."
I smiled bitterly in my heart, 'Who am I to wish for a brother like you?'
Soon enough, I was on the surgical table with the professional transplant team he brought in.
The stark white lights above me threw me back to the day I lost my pup. That was the deepest pain I experienced as a she-wolf.
I probably wouldn't get the chance to have another pup in this life.
I closed my eyes, snapping out of it as I instructed, "I have antibodies against anesthetics, so no need to give me any."
The anesthesiologist froze, asking, "No anesthetics? Ms. Hartley, are you gonna tough it out?"
"It's okay. I'm prepared for this." What I had experienced most in my life was various kinds of pain.
Seeing me so resolute, the anesthesiologist awkwardly replied, "Alright." I guessed she probably had never met anyone like me before.
As I listened to the sounds of the tools being prepared around me, I felt oddly serene.
I asked myself in my heart, 'Will I ever find my family in this lifetime?
'Where do they live?
'Do I have a brother or sister?
'What kind of woman is my mom? Will she miss me like I miss her now?'
As I pondered all this, I felt a surge of strength. I couldn't die. I needed to hang in there and fight through.
At the very least, I'd gotta see my biological parents before it was all over.
When the doctors gathered around me, not having any anesthesia cranked up the pressure.
"Ms. Hartley, we're about to begin. Don't worry. We're pros, and we'll stitch you up in no time."
"Okay." I thought I wouldn't be afraid of pain anymore. But when the blade sliced through my skin, it reminded me that my battered body could still hurt.
"Ms. Hartley, hang in there."
"Just get on with it!" I squeezed out my words through clenched teeth.
Suddenly, a loud roar erupted from the island, making the surgeon freeze.
I quickly shouted, "Don't stop! Keep going!"
I couldn't let anything interrupt this surgery. It was a choice I made for the sake of Klein as well as myself.
Even though the pain was nearly unbearable, my will was as solid as a rock.