“I wanted to be sure first,” she said. “I didn’t want to offer something I couldn’t actually give.” A long pause stretched between them. Then he reached out, took her hand, and held it tight. “That’s… I don’t even know what to say.”
She nodded, trying not to cry. “Then don’t. Just get better.” But Aiden hesitated. “I know it’s a lot to ask,” he said, lowering his voice, “but… would you mind if we did the surgery at a different hospital? Somewhere across town?” She frowned. “Why?”
He glanced away. “It’s just… I work here. I don’t want the staff finding out. It could get weird if they know I’m accepting a kidney from someone I’m dating. There’s some policy stuff, and I really don’t want the gossip.” It struck her as slightly odd—but not impossible. She nodded slowly. “Okay. If that makes it easier.”
The surgery was scheduled within weeks. Appointments stacked up—consultations, imaging, final tests. Maya trained less, ate differently, told almost no one. Her coach noticed, but didn’t press. She told herself this was temporary. One pause in a long road. She could pick up speed again later. She had to believe that.