Love's Perfect Match

When Elspeth came back out, she saw Yelena crouching on the ground. Panicked, she asked the doctor, "What happened to her?"

"I told her who the donor was, and then this happened." The doctor sighed. Guiltily, he said, "I didn't know he was important to her."

Elspeth didn't lecture the doctor. It wasn't his fault that Yelena was depressed. "I'll take over, doctor. You may leave now."

The doctor nodded and left the ladies alone. Elspeth crouched as well, and she wrapped her arm around Yelena's shoulder. "Yelena," she whispered.

Yelena said nothing. Her head remained buried in her chest, her shoulders trembling.

"I know it's hard to accept the truth."

Yelena still said nothing, but Elspeth could hear her sobbing.

patted the back of her hand. "But

eyes were as puffy as peaches. "I just can't believe he's gone. And he gave me a part of himself before he left us forever. I… I can't live with that." They were no longer a couple, but still, the memories of their past remained. Max had always been a kind lad, yet that same young man left her forever—all while

cared about you. That's why he was worried. That's why he gave you his marrow. And there's a reason for that. He wanted you to live. To be free of pain. He had high hopes for you, and you're

even doing? This is stupid. She stood up and wiped her tears away. "Thank you, Elsie. Hook me up to the IV infusion, please." She pulled the needle out in a

then she pressed her hand against Yelena's forehead. "No fever. Good. Remember to rest

could do was shiver. "Elspeth," Yelena croaked.

told Yelena the truth, the guilt would wreck

don't have to tell me anymore." Yelena stared down, conflicting emotions welling in her heart. "It was me, wasn't it? He knew I got sick,

tormented her more. Max died because of me. I killed him. "He wouldn't

has nothing to do with you. It was an

he wouldn't have been affected if I wasn't sick. Max was a great racer. He couldn't have gotten into an accident."

is, so don't blame yourself. If that's how you wanna see it, then part of the fault lies

take responsibility, Yelena quickly said, "No.

either. I don't want to hear that again,