"Where am I?" Aurora opened her eyes and found herself in the most beautiful place she had ever seen. "Wow… is this heaven?" she whispered to herself, mesmerized by the sight of colorful flowers, lush meadows, and the scent of fresh air. It was serene peaceful beyond words.
"Aurora."
Her breath caught in her throat. She knew that voice.She turned swiftly and there he was. "Jake…" she gasped. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes as she ran toward him, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"I missed you," she whispered.
"I missed you too." Jake gently pushed her back just enough to cup her face in his hands. His eyes shimmered with love and warmth. "You look beautiful, baby." "Jake, what is this place?" A slight frown appeared on Jake's face. "This… is the afterlife, Aurora."
"Wait… am I dead?" Jake shook his head. "No, not yet. You're not wearing our kind of clothes." He gestured to the long white robe he wore. She glanced down at herself and saw she was still in hospital attire.
"I get it now," she said slowly. "I'm about to die." Jake held her hands tightly. "You can't let that happen. You need to go back. Don't die, Aurora. Life still has so much in store for you."
"What can life offer without you in it, Jake?" she whispered, eyes glistening. "And besides… I like it here. It smells good. It's peaceful. You're here too." Jake smiled sadly. "Aurora, it's not your time. Don't be stubborn. You have to go back."
"No, Jake… the world is heavy. There's no happiness without you."
"Trust me, Aurora. There is happiness waiting for you more than you've ever known. Your one true love is still out there, waiting."
She blinked. "But you're my one true love…"
"Not anymore," he said gently. "I'm gone. You deserve happiness, and someone is out there who will love you more than I ever could. Just… go. And I'll always be watching over you." Before she could respond, Jake stepped back and opened a tall door made of cypress wood. With one last look, he gave her a light push.
****Back in the operating room****
"Place the sticky pads on her chest. Pour the gel," William ordered. Dr. Gordon moved quickly. "Charging to 200. Ready on my count. One… two… three… clear!" The nurse pushed the shock button. "Negative, sir," the nurse reported sadly. "For the last time charge to 400."
William placed the defibrillator paddles on her chest. "One… two… three… clear!" Aurora's body jolted violently. Seconds later, her body went limp… then suddenly, her heartbeat steadied.
"Haah…" William let out a heavy sigh of relief.
"That was one hell of a surgery," Dr. Gordon muttered. "Her body has endured so much. She's a fighter." "I know," William replied with a tired smile as he walked over to Aurora. He noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Nurse, pass me a tissue."
He gently wiped the tears from her face. "I know you didn't want to come back… it's like you were forced. Probably by me… and someone up there." "Prepare a ward for my princess," William instructed.
Outside the operating room…
"What's taking so long? I thought it was supposed to last less than six hours, but it's been nine!" Mark muttered, pacing anxiously.
Just then, he noticed the theater light had gone off. "Finally…"
A few seconds later, the doors swung open, and Aurora was wheeled out on a hospital bed. Nurses guided her gently toward the recovery ward. Mark immediately stepped forward, halting the nurse. He stared at her pale, exhausted face. She looked completely drained.
William's voice broke the moment. "Mark, her stitches might get infected if she's not moved quickly. Let the nurse do her job." "Oh… yeah. Right," he replied, stepping back. "You can take her now."
"Sir… was the surgery successful?" Mark asked quietly. "Yes, it was. But I'm sorry… she won't be able to become a mother." Mark's eyes dropped. A slight frown touched his lips. "I see… I hope you know I'm okay with it."
"You need to get some rest," William advised. "She'll probably regain consciousness by tomorrow or the day after. I'm heading to Kim's ward now." William walked off, leaving Mark alone in the quiet hallway.
He walked toward a chair and stared at it like it had wronged him. He clenched his fists, wanting to punch something anything. He couldn't shake off William's words.
"She can't become a mother."
It echoed in his mind like a bell tolling in grief.
He didn't know why, but when he saw Akira that morning her wide brown eyes, her innocent smile he suddenly wanted a child. Especially a daughter. One who would look just like Aurora.
But now… his dream was shattered before it even had a chance to begin. "Why…" he muttered to himself. How would Aurora take this news? She is emotional. Sensitive. How would she survive hearing she may never become a mother? Mark dropped into the chair with a long, painful exhale.
"Why am I aiming so high when I know it's impossible?" he muttered again. "We haven't even shared a kiss… so how…" He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, burying his face in his hands.