1 The Donor (Part 1)

Andrew only had six months left to live. The doctor diagnosed him with a brain tumor that had reached the terminal stage. Not wanting to die in vain, he decided to donate his organs. But he had a condition. He wanted to choose the person who would receive his heart.

Among several international waiting-list patients that matched him, Andrew found a girl who had been in and out of hospital all her life. He found that this was because she was born with congenital disease and had to get not only a heart transplant but also a new liver and kidneys, all of which matched his. Andrew finally decided to meet this girl to see what she was like.

Milena was a fine art major student who studied while working in a bookstore and gave piano lessons. Her parents died in a traffic accident two years ago, so ever since then, she had to support herself. Because she didn't have the money, she never had any hope of getting a chance to have a transplant nor surgery.

Realizing that she could die at any moment, Milena lived her days wholeheartedly. Andrew could hardly believe that the girl who needed a new heart, liver, and kidneys would be so spirited and joyful.

He deliberately arranged as if he met Milena at the bookstore where she was working by coincidence. Pretending to not be able to speak Indonesian because he had always lived in London, Andrew asked Milena to be an interpreter and accompanied him around Bandung City, the birthplace of his mother who died five years ago.

Andrew was half-Indonesian from his mother's side, and even though he had only ever come to this country once when he was ten, he actually understood the language quite well.

Milena agreed because Andrew would give her a decent pay. She needed money, after all. In the end, she accompanied Andrew in Bandung for a month. They sometimes traveled to various places, and just hung around to eat and chat at other times.

The intense closeness finally made them fall in love. Milena hid the fact that she could die anytime with her condition and how she needed to get a new heart, liver, and kidneys to be able to live healthily. She was afraid that Andrew would leave her.

While Andrew… Andrew deliberately didn't tell her that he only had six months left to live and he was trying to find out whether Milena deserved to get his heart, liver, and kidneys.

But the situation became difficult for Andrew when he realized that he actually wasn't ready to die.

***

"Where do you see yourself in ten years?"

"Ah... That's the most typical interview question," Milena answered lightly. "Try harder."

"That's okay. Just answer me. Where will you be in ten years?"

"Hmm... In ten years, I'll be in New York, Paris, and London holding an exhibition of my paintings. I'll travel the world and write books about the various places I visit. I'll have my own studio and paint whenever I want to. I'll set up an art school for poor children so they can learn painting, music, theater, writing, and many more for free. Do you know Sung Bo from Korea's Got Talent? He was immensely talented, but he was homeless and couldn't receive a proper education. Then I'll also... "

Andrew was amazed to hear Milena continue talking about her dreams, about all the extraordinary things she wanted to do in the future.

The girl's enthusiasm hit him hard.

Andrew was well-aware that Milena may still be alive until next year if she didn't get his heart, liver, and kidneys.

He nodded as Milena elaborated on her plans. That is, until the girl finally realized that she had said too much.

"Oh my... I kept on talking. Sorry… There, I've said it. Anyway, that's about my plan... Haha. How about you? Where do you see yourself in ten years?"

"Hmmm... In ten years, I'll be in New York, Paris, and London seeing your painting exhibition. I'll go around the world and see all the places you visit and write about in your books. I'll often be in your studio and see you paint whenever I want... Then I'll... "

Milena scowled.

"You're teasing me, aren't you? Seriously, where will you be in ten years? I want to hear your plans."

Andrew faintly smiled as he shook his head. "I... have no plans at all."

He only wanted to be with Milena after he died.

By giving her his heart, liver, and kidneys, he would be able to stay with her all her life. That thought became the only consolation for Andrew when he felt sad remembering how his death was fast approaching.

"Milena, I have to go back to England tomorrow. Good luck with your studies... I've already transferred the payment for your interpreting service this month..." Andrew finally told her.

His heart was aching so much when he had to say goodbye. He had been staying in this hotel for two months, and now, it was time to go home. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, Milena would find out about his illness.

Lately, he had been getting headaches and forgetting a lot more often.

If Milena found out Andrew was dying of a brain tumor and donated all of his organs, she might not want to accept the man's heart, liver, and kidneys.

Andrew didn't want to take the risks.

"Oh... You're leaving tomorrow? Why do you have to go back so suddenly, Andy?" Milena asked, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice.

"This isn't sudden. I've stayed in Bandung for two months..." Andrew replied. "My extended leave is over. I have to go back to manage the company. My partner needs help."

His start-up had been so successful that Andrew never needed to work a day in his life. Not only that, his partner was very reliable. Tony supported him so he could enjoy his last six months on this Earth peacefully.

"Oh..." Milena looked down as she wrung her hands in distraught.

Andrew couldn't help himself anymore. He touched Milena's hand to stop her from wringing her hands. "You'll be fine here..."

"You don't plan to come back here again?" Milena softly asked.

Andrew wanted to shake his head, but he didn't have the heart to say the truth. In the end, he just nodded, "Maybe in a few more months."

His heart fluttered when he saw Milena brightly smile. This girl was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her smile melted Andrew's heart.

Subconsciously, he brought his face closer to Milena's, and before the two realized it, he had landed a gentle kiss on her lips.

When their lips touched, it felt like Andrew's world turned upside down. He wished he could live just to be with her.

He put his hands on Milena's shoulders. The feeling of euphoria guided his hands to caress and explore the girl's body to express the love he had for her.

Milena allowed him to explore her. She seemed to expect Andrew to do it the night before they said goodbye.

They kissed for a long time, and Milena slowly undid Andrew's shirt buttons.

***