A family of three were standing outside the VIP room of the Symon Hospital, the country's top one. The air was thick with a scent of antiseptic and polished granite.
"Dear, we are not doing something wrong, right?" The middle-aged woman, her mother, asked hesitantly.
She glanced past the glass door, to the white room where Nathalie lay, a pale girl unconscious on the operation table with a few busy doctors by her side. A dull, spreading ache resonated deep in Nathalie's side, a pain only her subconscious mind registered.
"After all, Nathalie is also our daughter."
The man with black-rimmed glasses, her father, patted his wife's shoulder soothingly. "It's what she owns, Amellia. Don't worry, it's just a kidney donation. She will be fine." His voice was a cold, pragmatic hum through the thin walls.
The boy who seemed to be a fresh graduate, Liam, impatiently grabbed his hair. "Can I go to sister Amelia's ward now!? Why would I need to be this wench's side?"
"Liam, language. She's your sister!" the woman scolded before side-glancing at the girl on the table. 'Thankfully, this troublesome girl is not awake or else there would be another meaningless fight.'
The boy, Liam, closed his mouth reluctantly while glaring at his so-called sister.
The still corridor soon filled with noises as the nurses hurried in and out from another patient's room just a few steps away. The family tensed, shifting their attention instantly.
The woman anxiously stopped a nurse. "What happened? Is everything okay with the patient?" she asked worriedly, her words rapidly flying out of her mouth while the other two also eyed the nurse tensely. It was as if they were that patient's family members, not the unconscious girl's.
"Mam, the patient will be fine. The doctors just need some helpers. Please let me go." The nurse spoke impatiently, then took the woman's hand off her before heading to the patient's room.
The family of three also followed her to the room outside where another family was present.
"Ethan, what happened?"
"Where are other doctors? Is there no one in this big hospital?" the man asked a handsome man who looked to be in his 22-25.
"Uncle, the doctors who are present today are all treating their patients, no one is free. There's nothing we can do." The handsome man, Ethan, said powerlessly, glancing at the girl lying in a custom bed and pillow—Amelia. He soon turned his red eyes down, unable to see the lively sunshine so dim.
The woman sat down next to another crying woman who seemed younger and of noble upbringing, hugging her with tearful eyes. "Don't worry, our Amelia is a strong girl. God would not hurt such a good child."
The two families with completely different status seemed to merge into one harmonious unit, just for their beloved Amelia.
"Liam, Where are you going?" The man with glasses noticed his son slipping away.
All eyes turned to Liam who spoke, determined. "I am going to bring the doctor. Don't they just lack hands."
No one questioned from where he would bring one, since all doctors were busy. They turned a blind eye as if it would erase their act.
Soon Liam returned with the attending doctors of Nathalie.
The doctors were hesitant, unsure, but in front of power, they had to bow. The hasty operation room, where Nathalie lay, became well-organized again.
The patient's condition was getting better, with no sign of rejection. It was a successful operation, but all doctors were still instructed to be there in case there might be complications.
Both families happily surrounded the sleeping Amelia. Their joy and relief clearly shone on their faces, while Nathalie's attending doctor wore a grim expression.
A middle-aged man with a powerful aura arrived with a gentle-looking young fellow following him.
Ethan furrowed his brow. "Father, why are you here? I told you it's going to be fine. Taking two straight flights might take a toll on your body."
The middle-aged man with dark eye bags waved his hand. "I am fine. How is Amelia?"
Ethan said with relief, "The operation was successful." He then turned to the gentle-looking man. "Damian, it's good to know you prioritize Amelia. I won't be worried handing her to you."
Liam, who was bored by the two mothers' chatter, protested, "Who's handing him Amelia? He is still not good enough for Sister."
The room was filled with lively chatter. No one could see Nathalie's soul looking over them, blankly.
The realization settled on her spirit with the finality of a closing coffin lid. This was the family she had loved, the life she had fought for. It all ended here, disposable and unmourned.Trading her life to save Amelia was being celebrated as a success, and her name was never spoken.
In that final, silent moment of utter detachment, she felt her soul slowly becoming more transparent than it already was and fading.
She closed her eyes in relief, welcoming the enternal slumber.
Suddenly,she felt a different strong force pulling her.