Page 2 of Beyond the Facade

I nod, his words sinking in.

He continues, “The sooner we can find a donor and proceed with the transplant, the better Andrew’s chances.”

“Can’t any of us be the donor?” I ask, my voice a little shaky.

“Yes, one of you can be the donor, but we will have to carry out certain tests to ensure you’re a match and meet the health requirements to be a donor.”

Mama nods, wiping away her tears. “We’ll take the test,” she says, her voice trembling but resolute. “We’ll find a way to raise the money he needs for the transplant.”

The doctor gives us a small, encouraging smile. “I’ll have our financial counselor meet with you to discuss potential resources and options. In the meantime, we’ll continue to do everything we can to keep Andrew stable.”

“Can we see him?” Mama asks.

“Yes, you can,’’ he responds with a weak smile.

We thank the doctor, rise to leave his office, and head to Andrew’s room. He’s still unconscious.

“We’ll do everything we can to make sure you get the help you need,” Mama says in a small voice, her eyes fixed on Andrew.

***

Later that evening, I’m home alone, staring into space; Mama is still at the hospital, refusing to leave Andrew’s side. The living room is dimly lit, the shadows playing tricks on my tired eyes. I try to focus on my computer screen as I research financial aid options and potential bone marrow donor programs—but I find it hard to focus.

There’s a knock at the door. I open it to find Bianca, my best friend, standing there, concern etched on her face. I texted her earlier about Andrew being at the hospital.

“Hey, Kaitlin,” she says softly. “I thought you could use some company. How about we go for a walk?”

I nod, grateful for the distraction. “That sounds good. I need to clear my head.”

We step out into the cool evening air, the quiet streets a welcome change from the oppressive silence of the apartment. We walk side by side, our footsteps echoing softly on the pavement as we make our way to the park a few blocks away.

“How’s your mom holding up?” Bianca asks after a few minutes.

“She’s exhausted, but she won’t leave Andrew,” I reply, wrapping my arms around myself against the chill. “I’ve been trying to find some financial aid options, but it’s so overwhelming.”

Bianca nods, her expression thoughtful. “On my way here, I was doing some research, too. There’s a charity that helps families in situations like yours. Though it takes a long time to get aid from them as they have so many people seeking help, it could be worth a shot.”

“Thank you, Bianca,” I say, my voice breaking a little. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She squeezes my arm gently. “You don’t have to do this alone, Kate. We’re all in this together. Andrew is like a brother to me, too.”

We continue walking, and I tell her about the potential resources I’ve found. Talking it out helps, and I feel a flicker of hope for the first time since today. As we round a corner, Bianca stops and turns to face me, her expression suddenly more serious.

“Kate, I think I might have a solution about how you can come up with the money, but you might not like it.”

Chapter 2

Kaitlin

“What is it?” I ask.

“How about we take a seat?” Bianca asks, pointing at an empty bench.

“Now, you’re scaring me,” I say as we sit and anxiously wait for her to talk.

“First of all, you have to promise me that you’re not going to judge,” Bianca sticks out her pinky finger, and I curl mine around it. It’s something we always do when we’re about to make a promise to each other.

“Pinky swear,” I say.