18. Rocco
ROCCO
I wait anxiously, with Sophia’s mum and dad sitting nearby. It’s strange to think I’m Sophia’s next of kin now, and if anything goes wrong, it will be on my shoulders to make the hard decisions.
No, nothing will go wrong. I need to stay positive.
This is a massive opportunity for her. For us both.
Some generous stranger out there has given Sophia what I’d been unable to, and now that stranger’s family will be grieving, perhaps not yet able to think about the amazing thing their loved one has done by signing up to be a donor.
They’re the longest three hours of my life.
When a doctor finally approaches us, all three of us jump to our feet.
“The surgery went well. Urine output is looking good,” the doctor says with a smile.
“Of course, the next few days and weeks are the most important. Once we can see the kidney is working, and we’ve found a good balance of immunosuppressants, Sophia will be able to go on to live a normal, healthy life. ”
“How long will she need to be in hospital for?” I ask.
“Probably a week, if all goes well. It shouldn’t be much more than that.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“I see you’re newlyweds. Congratulations on the marriage. I’m not surprised you want to get her home.”
I nod. “I definitely do.”
“When can we see her?” Mrs Alexander asks anxiously.
“She’ll be waking up in the next hour. I’m sure she’d appreciate seeing some friendly faces when she does.”
“Thanks so much, Doctor,” she says.
“My pleasure.”
I make my way to Sophia’s room, sick to my stomach.
All the feelings of that day when she’d collapsed and been brought to the hospital hit me afresh.
I’d been so scared then, certain she was going to die.
I know this isn’t the same situation, and that things should be better now, but as I push open the hospital room door and see her lying there, I can’t stop the tears filling my eyes.
I drag a seat next to her bed and take hold of her hand, noting how cold her fingers are, and just wait for her to wake up.
It feels as though every minute is an hour, but finally her eyelids flutter. “Rocco?”
I pull the chair closer, squeezing her fingers. “I’m here, baby. You’re okay.”
“The surgery…” she croaks.
“It went well. The doctors say you’re going to be fine.”
Her eyes meet mine, and I see understanding there. “I’m going to be okay?”
“Yes. As long as the kidney doesn’t reject, you’re going to go on to live a normal life.”
A small smile touches her lips. “As your wife.”
I think my heart might burst. “That’s right, baby. As my wife.”