His Bedwarmer’s Wife

“Why didn’t you tell me from the start about Uly’s problem?”

I couldn’t look at Eugene. He was furious when he found out what had happened to my son. The way he asked is full of anger but he tried to manage to be calm.

We are already in a ward where Uly is resting while Eugene and I are waiting for the result of the test done on him.

“I’m sorry Eu, I thought it was just a simple dizziness and headache because of over-used—-”

“You thought, it’s all about your thought, that’s why our lives are ruined because of that fucking thought,” he complained without letting me finish what I was going to say.

“Eu, I’m so —”

“Did you remove my rights to my son, Ley?” he asked so I’m shaken my head.

“No, I just thought that Uly’s feelings were simple.” I can’t blame him. Because when he was with us and Uly felt a little weak he took him to the hospital immediately. Even if it’s a simple cold. Now, my son’s head hurts, I didn’t even let him know.

“Good, because as I remember, I only cut our relationship as a couple not my responsibility as a father.” I cringed at what he said.

I didn’t want that to happen to my son. Is it my fault, I just want to play the role of being a good mother. I just trained myself without him.

“Sorry.” That’s all I could say until I felt him approach me and hug me.

“I’m sorry too. I was just shocked when I found out what happened to Ulysses. You know how much I love him, Ley.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Doctor Mendrano wants to talk to you.

“Eugene and I looked at each other before nodding and following the nurse. He took us to the doctor’s office. The nurse made us sit opposite the doctor’s chair.

“How’s my son doc?” Eugene immediately asked the doctor when we could sit down. I didn’t speak and just let Eu talk.

“I’ll be honest with you, your son’s condition is not good,” the doctor replied so Eugene and I looked at each other.

“What do you mean, what’s wrong with my son?” Eugene ask.

“According to the ct-scan. Your son suffered from an eye nerve failure. A vein in your son’s eye was broken. A thin vein connected into his two eyes to his brain. He lost consciousness because there are some nerves ruptured inside near to his brain.”

“We were both in shock and I saw Eugene wipe his face. As I started to cry.

“What will happen to my son, is it dangerous, what will be the effect of this on him?” Eugene keeps on asking as if my tongue moves backward and no words can even form.

“Honestly, there are two things that possibly happen when he wakeup. First, he will be ok when he wakes up and when that happens he needs to take care of his eyes. He’s too young and should be avoided too bright because that’s one of the things that can damage the nerve in the eye,” the doctor’s explanation.

“And the other one?”

“He will wake up blind.” Eugene set straight. I can’t help myself but cry.

Eugene immediately came up to me and hugged me.

God! My son is too young for him to experience that.

“Doc, tell us what are the chances that my son was not affected.” I heard the doctor sigh before answering Eugene’s question. “Please,” he added.

“20 percent chances. That means, there is a possibility that your child will be blind when he wakes up,” the doctor replied.

“No, this can’t be,” Eugene said.

“Anyway, we can conduct an operation but we need an eye donor. There is no limit to the age of the donor. Whether young or old the donor as long as they are compatible. Besides, there is only a 0. 5 percent chance that the eyes do not match. Even though they are not yet blood-related that means we have a chance to find a donor right away.”

“Can I donate mine?” Eugene asked so I looked up to see his reaction. But it doesn’t look like he’s joking.

“Eu,” I called to him but he ignored me.

“Can I give my eyes to my son?” he asked without hesitation.

The doctor looked at me first before answering.

“Yes.”

“Then take mine, I don’t care.”

“But the eye cannot be passed if the donor is alive. It is considered murder and the doctor can be charged.”

“How about mercy killing?”

“What are you saying, Eu?” I ask.

Does he know what he is saying? We both love our son and we will do everything for him. But I don’t think I can afford to lose Eugene. How can we give our son a happy family if one of us is lost?

“Eugene,” I called him again but he ignored me.

“Can I request mercy killing so I can donate my eye?”

“Eu, shut up!” I said angrily.

“Yes, you can.” I looked at the doctor and then Eugene. No, I will not allow him to do what he wants.

“But mercy killing is applicable only to those patients who suffered from rare physical illness, brain dead, or those who are sick that they can no longer handle. I understand your situation, Mr. Taylor. Being a father is not easy. I have kids too and same as you I will be desperate for them too. But what you want will not help the situation. Your son needs you as his father. Yes, he can see if ever, but no one can guide him. A mother’s love is different from a father’s guidance. You don’t have to rush things. I will help you to find a donor. Your child needs you. He needs you,” he added while staring at Eugene.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I saw Eugene’s tears in front of the doctor and immediately wiped and then held the doctor’s hand.

“Doc, I’ll give everything I have, just help my son. Please help my son. I don’t want to see him suffer. You understand me, don’t you? I love him so much and I am willing to do anything for him even if it cost my life.” He said while crying.

The doctor tapped his shoulder and give him assurance.

“I will. I will do everything I can. I will contact my friends from different hospitals too and I will put your son’s name first on the list,” the doctor said. “As of now, all we need is to give him an assurance that everything will be ok.”

“Thank you doc, thank you so much,” Eugene said.