When I woke up, I found myself in a hospital bed, the rhythmic beeping of machines echoing around me. There wasn’t a soul by my side.
The doctor informed me that my husband had brought me to the hospital, paid the admission fee, and then found an excuse to leave.
My heart sank. The test results would be out the next day, and I learned I was in the late stages of chronic liver failure, requiring a family member for a donor match.
Hearing this news shattered me. After working hard all these years, I had never done anything wrong. And now life had dealt me such a cruel blow.
Once the results were in, I called my mom, asking when she and Dad could come for a matching test. The doctor said that relatives had the highest compatibility rates.
“Chloe, your dad and I aren’t in great shape ourselves. We’re getting older, and if something happens...”
“Can my brother come instead? He’s young and recovers quickly.”
“Your brother is even less suitable! He’s the backbone of this family; we rely on him. Can’t the hospital do anything else?”
“The doctor said it’s already at an advanced stage; a liver transplant is the fastest and most effective option.”
“I think the hospital just wants to milk you for money. Anyway, your dad and I are busy. I’ll talk to you later.”
Her words sent a chill through me. I couldn’t believe my mother could be so heartless.
A nurse looked at me with pity. “Why not ask your husband’s family to see if they can help with a match? The chances may be slim, but it’s worth a shot.”
Thinking back on my miserable life, with parents who favored sons and never considered my feelings, and my time at my in-laws’ where I was treated like a servant, I realized I had no one to care for me even now that I was ill.
In desperation, I called my husband, but each time I got through, he hung up immediately.
After several attempts, I had no choice but to call Margaret. As soon as she heard I needed a donor match, she hung up on me.
For the next few days, I couldn’t reach them. Finally, after another bout of unconsciousness, they decided to show up.
My son walked in and flopped down in a chair, “This is so annoying! You’re such a burden. Why don’t you just die?”
Margaret quickly covered his mouth and said to the others, “Kids say the funniest things.”