The Day I Chose Myself, He Lost Everything

“Joyce, walking away from this transplant is the same as choosing to die,” the doctor said urgently. “You already know the facts. Without a new kidney, you might not even make it past another four weeks.”

I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter anymore, doctor. I don’t need it. Give it to someone who still cares whether they wake up tomorrow.”

Before he could say another word, I was already on my feet.

On any other day, the thought of leaving would have terrified me. I would have clung to life for Leander — my husband, the man I once loved more than myself.