Healing After Heartbreak

The transfer to another hospital was still in progress. The following day, I arrived at work at the hospital as usual. During a break, I overheard some colleagues talking. They mentioned that Grace Ford had been admitted last night because of severe eye pain, and Malakai Parker had stayed by her side all night.

One of them couldn't help but gossip, "Dr. Parker looking after Grace all night is the hot topic around the hospital."

"Aren't you bothered by this?" they asked me.

I replied calmly, "We're not together anymore."

My colleagues reacted as though they’d just heard some groundbreaking news, clearly shocked.

Someone else prodded, "You two seemed so in love; what happened?"

"I haven’t agreed to the breakup," Malakai’s voice suddenly cut through the chatter, causing an awkward silence to fall upon us.

I stood up to leave, but he followed, blocking my path in the hospital corridor, forcing me to stop.

"Cora, what did I do wrong? Can I fix it?" he pleaded.

I scoffed, "There's no need. We're done."

With those words, I quickly turned and walked away. There were still two days left before Malakai's plan would unfold, and I needed to have everything organized by then.

In the afternoon, I met with Luella Snyder to confirm the details of the transfer, asking her to expedite the paperwork. Then, I returned to my desk, swiftly sorting through and organizing patient files. I made sure to label everything clearly so my colleagues could transition smoothly.

Once I was finished and just about to relax, Malakai appeared, grabbing my hand.

"This isn't about being jealous of Grace, is it? I promise to keep my distance from her. Please, let's end this madness," he insisted.

I yanked my hand away and glared at him. "Your relationship with Grace is your business. Stop bothering me."

My colleagues around us exchanged curious glances and whispered among themselves. Malakai’s face flushed with embarrassment. He leaned in, his voice low and unsettling, "I suggest you come back to me willingly, or I won’t let this go."

With that, he stormed off. Several colleagues who were on good terms with me gathered around to offer their support and reassurance. I smiled and assured them I was fine.

After leaving the hospital at the end of the day, I spotted Malakai waiting. Before I could react, he rushed over, covering my mouth and dragging me towards a nearby car. I kicked and struggled, attempting to free his grip, but he was too strong, and I couldn't break free.

He forcibly shoved me into the car, climbed into the driver’s seat, and quickly locked the doors.

"Malakai, what on earth are you doing?" I yelled.

His voice turned cold. "I just want to give your eyes to Grace. I’ll make it up to you afterward, just help me this one time."

I slapped him hard across the face. "Her eyes are precious, but mine aren’t?"

He clutched his cheek, anger blazing in his eyes. "It’s just your eyes, not your life. Can’t you stop being so selfish?"

"Then why don’t you give her your eyes?"

"Cora!" His eyes were filled with rage. "I said I'd compensate you. Isn't that enough? I'm taking your eyes today, whether you like it or not!"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, covering my nose and mouth. The cloth smelled of chemicals, and I thrashed my head, trying to shake it off. But gradually, my limbs grew weak, and I could no longer move, consciousness slipping away.