I was gravely ill, hospitalized and nearing death, while Jerome Baldwin held me in his arms with a look of distress. He said, "Tania, I've had 20 tubes of blood drawn for you. You'll be fine."
Thinking I was asleep, he turned to instruct the nurse, "Quickly, send these 19 tubes to Room 333 for Jessica Almaz."
The nurse hesitated and said, "There are no KEN-type blood bags in the hospital. One tube might not be enough …"
Jerome waved impatiently, "It's my blood and I decide. One tube is enough. As long as she doesn't die, it'll do!"
I tightly closed my eyes, but a single tear still slid down my cheek. Later, I found someone willing to donate blood to me endlessly.
Jerome, however, went crazy, declaring that his blood was his to allocate, draw as much as needed, as he would decide. But I didn't need it anymore.
——
As the nurse hesitated, I suddenly opened my eyes and spoke weakly, "Listen to him. It's his blood and he decides."
The nurse looked at me and then at Jerome, as if silently hoping he might have a shred of conscience and leave me a few extra tubes. Because one tube truly wasn't enough.
But Jerome's next words shattered the last bit of hope I held, "Tania, Jessica isn't in good health. She's always taking sick leave from work. I'm doing this for the good of the company. You understand, don't you?"
Hearing this, it felt like a heavy weight was choking my throat and I couldn't utter a word. I could only nod to conceal my emotions.
Jerome was very pleased with my understanding nature. He even helped tidy my bed, "Tania, I'm glad you understand. KEN-type blood is extremely rare. Jessica is just a young woman, life hasn't been easy for her. As her boss, I have to help however I can."
After Jerome left, I couldn't hold back any longer and broke into tears. My pillow became soaked as an overwhelming sense of abandonment engulfed me.
Crying eventually wore me out and I fell asleep. When I woke up, I instinctively checked my phone.
I didn't see any message from Jerome but instead found a post by Jessica, updated just minutes ago: [The man who gave me 19 tubes of blood, he can have my life if he wants. Jerome Baldwin, I will love you till death.]
In the photo, Jerome rested his exhausted face on the edge of Jessica's hospital bed, while on her hand was a familiar ring. That ring was part of a couple's set, Jerome had one as well and had never taken it off.
I suddenly remembered the day Jerome swapped out our couple's ring for another design. It was the first time we had a heated argument. Later, Jerome explained it was a gift celebrating six years of love, but the women's ring had unfortunately been lost.
Turns out, it wasn't lost at all. I was so foolish, so easy to deceive. Thinking back, Jerome had started staying out late around that time. Everything had signs, but I had been too blind to see, clinging to a hope for miracles.
As I stared at the post, a comment section caught my eye. One username stood out, it was familiar.
It was Jerome's mom: [My sweet future daughter-in-law, my son is utterly devoted to you. Even I'm a bit jealous!]
A second later, I saw Jerome reply: [Mom, don't say that. I just see Jessica as a sister.]
Jessica quickly smoothed things over: [That's right. Jerome is so kind to all his employees. We all love him.]
Jerome's mom got the hint: [Alright, alright. When will you bring Jessica to visit our home? Mom will personally cook for her.]
I was too stunned to react. My fingers slipped and I accidentally liked the post while dropping my phone. I immediately retracted it, but it was too late.
Jerome's mom promptly messaged me: [Tania, don't misunderstand. I just feel bad for Jessica. She's so young to have this kind of illness, it's really heartbreaking.]
I didn't know how to respond. After all, Jessica and I shared the same disease. We both had KEN-type blood. Yet somehow, it felt like everyone had forgotten about me.
