11 Perhaps a miracle truly happened . The nurse brought good news . " The surgery inside was very successful . The patient's vital signs are stable . The most difficult part is over ; now we just wait for the heart transplant ." I was almost overcome with joy , as if I could already see Caleb fully recovered . But then , the waiting time became unusually long . The operating room lights remained on , but no more news came . Until the lead surgeon pushed open the door , his face marked by undisguised fatigue and regret . " Doctor , where's my brother ? " He looked at me and sighed . I abruptly stood up , my voice trembling . " Did something go wrong with the transplant ? Or a rejection reaction ? " " I , I checked , if there's rejection , there's another method , you ... " The doctor shook his head , cutting me off . " Just now , the heart donor's family ... temporarily refused the donation ." 1:03 pm G P < " What do you mean ? " The words hit me like a physical blow . " Refused the donation ? How can they temporarily refuse ? Didn't they sign the agreement a long time ago ?! " I lost control , grabbing the doctor's arm , my fingernails practically digging into his skin . " How can you do this ?! The surgery already started ! My brother's heart has already been removed , waiting for the transplant! How can they still refuse ?! " The Thompsons rushed over . Liam grabbed me. "Skye , calm down! " The doctor explained helplessly , " The donor did sign the organ donation agreement while alive , but now his family has changed their minds . They believe ... removing organs will affect the deceased's reincarnation ." " I'm sorry , our hospital cannot disregard the wishes of the donor's family . " I trembled violently , unable to string a single coherent word together . " Go ... say goodbye to him ," the doctor said softly . The hospital room was eerily quiet . Caleb lay peacefully on the bed , his chest covered by a crisp white sheet . I reached out a trembling hand and lifted a corner . A long , raw incision , brutally stark across his chest . It was empty inside . His breathing was still steady , his face serene , as if he were only sleeping . But I knew he would never wake up , never gently call my name again . 1:03 pm G P < Never quietly wait for me to come home . He had wanted to live , after all ... The first time I saw Caleb at the Maxwell house , I knew he didn't want to live . The pills on his table were antidepressants , along with a bottle of sleeping pills that was mostly empty . So , I kept him tethered to life with our promise . I said , " Brother , you have to live , otherwise I'll have no home again . " He agreed. But in the end , I still couldn't keep him . I leaned over and hugged his gradually cooling body , tears soaking the pristine white sheet . " Liar .. " I choked , my forehead resting on his shoulder . " You promised ... we'd be family forever .. " 12 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!