17

Alex sat on the edge of the bed in their small apartment, staring at the computer screen in front of him. He had been researching for days, trying to find any way to afford the kidney transplant his girlfriend Elizabeth desperately needed. But no matter how many hours he spent searching, the cost always seemed impossibly out of reach.

He couldn't turn to his estranged father for help. The man had turned his back on the family years ago, leaving them to struggle on their own. And now, with Elizabeth's life on the line, Alex felt more alone than ever before.

Suddenly, the door creaked open and Elizabeth walked in. She padded over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, leaning her head on his back.

"Hey," she whispered. "Anything new?"

Alex shook his head sadly. "No," he replied. "I'm sorry, Liz. I don't know how we're going to afford this."

Elizabeth leaned back, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "It's okay, Alex," she said softly. "I'm scared, but I know we'll find a way through this together."

Alex turned to her, cupping her face gently in his hands. "You're my beautiful butterfly," he said, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "And I'll do anything to keep you safe."

They both fell silent, holding onto each other tightly as tears streamed down their faces. In that moment, they were alone together, but the love they shared was stronger than any obstacle.

"We'll get through this," Elizabeth said bravely. "I have faith in us."

Alex pulled her into his embrace, holding her close and promising himself that he would never let her go. They might not know how they would afford the transplant yet, but they would find a way. Together.