Chapter 8
“Gary, come look at June.”
A middle–aged woman stepped out of the hospital room, calling out to Garfield Simonds.
Without hesitation, he turned and walked into the room.
Just like every other time, he left me behind and turned towards June Tillery.
Even though I’m now a soul.
Even though I’ve lost my heart.
Why do I still feel pain?
Garfield Simonds, do you know that while
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you’re worrying about another woman, I’m lying in the cold morgue of this same hospital?
You don’t even bother to check.
June Tillery had just awoken and managed a weak smile when she saw Garfield Simonds.
Garfield Simonds gently patted her hand and asked tenderly, “Does it still hurt, June? The surgery was a success. Once you recover, you’ll be just like everybody else.”
The middle–aged woman beside them sighed with relief, “It’s all thanks to you, Gary. Otherwise, June wouldn’t have gotten a donor so quickly. She’s been sick for decades, but now I can finally feel at ease.”
I hovered above them, punching and kicking at Garfield Simonds, shouting, “That was my
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heart! Why give it to her?”
I slumped defeatedly into a corner, where no one could hear me.
What’s happening to my body now?
All I remember is the crash, my legs and arms bending at impossible angles.
Then, I ended up in the hospital.
Why hasn’t anyone contacted my next of kin?
Did no one inform Garfield Simonds of my death?
He was still listed as my emergency contact, after all.
Garfield Simonds stayed by June Tillery’s
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side until nighttime before heading home.
I wanted to leave the hospital long ago, but some unknown force kept me tied to him.
He opened the door to a dark, empty house.
I saw his expression darken.
As soon as he entered, Mimi scampered over, excitedly licking his pants.
Had I not died, I would have started a new life with Mimi by now.
Mimi was jumping around, flipping on her back and whining with joy.
My eyes stung. I crouched in front of Mimi, wanting to touch her soft fur.
But, of course, I couldn’t.
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Garfield Simonds patted Mimi’s head absentmindedly.
He glanced at her food bowl.
Muttered, “Still not back.”
I gave him a bitter smile. No, I won’t be coming back.
You arranged it yourself, taking my heart.
My life for June Tillery’s.
If you knew the truth, would you regret it?
I doubt it.
In Garfield Simonds‘ heart, I’m just a substitute.
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Besides, I’m dead.
I couldn’t compete with June Tillery while alive; what could I possibly do now?
I’ve been dead for two days, and Garfield Simonds remains unaware.
My parents passed away long ago, and I have no close relatives.
The only person I kept in touch with was my best friend, Ida.
Garfield Simonds was too busy caring for June Tillery, who just had heart transplant surgery, to even consider looking for me.
He probably thinks I’m just mad and will return in a couple of days.
After all, we’ve been together for five years.
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I’ve never been angry with him for more than three days.
Plus, as long as Mimi’s around, I’d always come back.
Garfield Simonds checked on Mimi three times a day before heading back to the hospital to be with June Tillery.
But I’m dead.
For some reason, my soul couldn’t leave Garfield Simonds‘ side.
I was forced to watch him fuss over June Tillery.
How ridiculous.
I wanted to leave him in my last moments
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alive.
In death, I was bound to him.
June Tillery had been in the hospital for three days and was gradually able to move around.
Garfield Simonds stayed by her side every day, helping her walk and drink water.
“Miss Tillery is so lucky to have Dr. Simonds. He’s so attentive, staying at the hospital with her constantly. He’s even looking tired,” a nurse remarked while changing the bandages.
“You’re lucky to have such a loving boyfriend,” another nurse said enviously.
June Tillery blushed, burying her face in Garfield Simonds‘ chest.
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Garfield Simonds smiled too, though it seemed strained.
As evening approached, Garfield Simonds made two more phone calls in the hospital.
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