I remembered the car speeding away like cruelty had wheels.
If I walked away now, he might not survive the night.
And what would my dream mean if I could not live with myself?
I walked back to the counter.
“Please,” I said quietly, “give me a few minutes.”
I rushed home with my mother. I pulled out the wooden savings box from my drawer. It felt heavier than ever, like it carried every sacrifice inside it.
My mother touched my shoulder. “Do what your heart tells you.”
I didn’t hesitate anymore.
I broke the box.
Money scattered across the tiles like years falling apart.
I gathered it into a bag, tears dropping onto my hands.
At the hospital, I placed the money on the counter. The man counted it and nodded.
“We will begin treatment immediately.”
When I returned to the hallway, I felt empty and relieved at the same time.
My dream was gone.
But David was still alive.
And strangely, I didn’t regret it.
Not even for a moment.
A week later, David woke up.
The first time he opened his eyes and saw me, his voice was weak, but his words were clear.
“Thank you, Auntie.”
I laughed and cried at the same time.