BECOMING

"He would need to have the surgery within or before the end of three days." The doctor pauses and shoots me a look that's filled with sorrow and pity. "If he doesn't get it removed before then, the likelihood of his survival and absolute recovery would be zero."

I dab at the tears that are making a freefall down my face. "Is there nothing else that can be done, doctor?"

She shakes her head sadly. "There's not much else that we can do. You'd obviously amass more of the medical debts, but I'd assume that would be better than losing your brother entirely."

I nod my head quickly to let her know that I completely understand. "Of course." I wipe more tears off my face. "Do whatever needs to be done to save his life, Doctor. I would find a way to gather the money and..."

"Sorry to interrupt, but you're being sought in the emergency unit, Dr. Maxwell." A nurse pokes her head in through the door that's cracked halfway open.

Dr. Maxwell looks at the nurse and tilts her head in a professional no