Death Is Where You’re Missing

Roman and I were high school classmates.

We had a beautiful and romantic mutual crush. We promised to apply to the same university.

We were together for eight years. Back then, he had yet to become the outstanding genius he is today.

We were just two ordinary students with nothing to our name. However, because we had each other, we became the most important people in each other’s lives.

We promised to graduate, work hard, and use everything we had learned to build a future together.

But just when we had finally secured stable jobs, Roman was diagnosed with a kidney disease.

The cost of Medicare Part B injection drugs was insane.

We spent all of our hard-earned savings, yet it was barely enough to keep things going.

We applied for medical assistance, but we were rejected for not meeting the qualifications.

To afford his treatment, I cut back on everything. Some days, I ate only one meal. At times, my meals cost no more than five dollars.

Even then, it was barely enough to get by and pay for his medication.

At my lowest point, I even searched through a garbage dump. I found out I was not the only one. Others were scavenging for food too.

They were already digging through piles of waste. They moved in groups while glaring at me as if I were an outsider who was taking away their livelihood.

A kidney transplant was the only way to save Roman, yet the wait felt endless.

His condition worsened. He grew too weak to get out of bed.

Just when all hope seemed lost, the doctor told me a match had been found.

It was me.

I stopped reminiscing and turned my gaze to the two people in front of me.

Blake rested her head on Roman’s shoulder. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. His gaze was filled with indescribable tenderness.

“She had it coming. You’re the one I was meant to be with.

“I won’t just buy you handbags. I’ll get you that spacious luxury apartment you like tomorrow.”

I pulled my hand back and tried to suppress the emotions surging within me. But the bitterness lingered, suffocating me.

I did not want to stay any longer. Just as I turned to leave, Blake casually nudged me with her elbow. I lost my balance and stumbled forward.

“Oh my, Celeste! You really should watch where you’re going.”

I fell, and my medical report and payment receipt were scattered at Roman’s feet.

For a second, worry flickered in his eyes. He instinctively reached out to help me.

But before he could, Blake grabbed his hand and gasped. “Dear, look!”

Roman followed her gaze, picked up the document, and skimmed it. The mention of “hospitalization for kidney disease” caught his attention.

His face twisted with anger. He threw the document at me.

“Celeste, do you have no shame? You really stooped so low just for money?

“It’s been five years. You haven’t changed at all. You’re still so obsessed with money, aren’t you?”

From the strength in his voice, it was clear he was in perfect health.

I forced a small smile, picked up the report, and made myself meet his gaze.

“If you’re so rich, why not act like a real philanthropist and lend me a little more?”

Blake covered her mouth and pretended to be shocked and hurt.

But the ridicule in her eyes gave her away.

“Roman, I don’t think she’s faking it. Maybe she really is sick.

“It’s a good thing she left you back then. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have found a kidney donor. Aren’t you researching this field? Maybe you should help her.”

She sounded as if she was speaking up for me. Yet every word was a pointed reminder to Roman that I had abandoned him for money when he was the one who had been sick.

In an instant, whatever hesitation he had was gone. His gaze turned cold.

“Using my research and academic achievements on her would be an insult to my work.”