63.A favor

Logan

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Logan. You haven't been visiting. Should I say the last time we spoke was six months ago, or even going on a year?" Mr. Norman remarked as we sat in his office.

"It seems you've been keeping track. I don't really keep count," I replied.

Mr. Norman made a call. "Please bring two cups of coffee to my office," he requested before turning his attention back to me. "Well, I can't forget you just like that. Anyways, what brings you here? I'm sure this meeting isn't just about seeing an old face, although I must say it brings back memories."

I understood what he meant by 'old memories.' In the past, that remark might have soured my mood, but now it didn't affect me like it used to. Mr. Norman was my mother's personal doctor. When she left my father's house, she lived next door to Mr. Norman's house, and he was the one who treated her illness. He knew about everything, even though I was with her for only a short while before my father took custody of me. That's how I knew him.

A knock at the door was followed by the arrival of a young lady. "Sir," she said, placing the tray with coffee on the desk. I didn't waste any time in reaching for a cup. I suddenly felt quite thirsty.

"Thank you," I muttered, loud enough for her to hear. Her reaction almost made me chuckle. She was visibly flustered. If Olivia were here, she will probably throw a fit. Maybe I should tease her about it later.

Dr. Norman's voice brought my attention back. "Heard you got married."

I wasn't expecting him to lead with that question. "Yeah, it happened," I replied, taking another sip of the coffee. It wasn't that bad.

"She's a good person," I added. I wasn't sure why I said it, but it wasn't a lie. Olivia was indeed a good woman, inside and out. Thinking about our time together unknowingly brought a smile to my face.

"Judging by the smile on your face, I don't need to ask further. She makes you happy," Dr. Norman observed, and my smile widened.

"Trust me, she does."

I nodded in agreement. "So... do you still experience the complications?" I sat up straight. The main reason for this meeting wasn't to discuss my health issues, but since I was already here, and Dr. Norman knew about my situation, it made sense to address it before moving on to the main reason for my visit.

"Sometimes," I replied after a moment's pause.

"Do these episodes affect you like they used to? You know, the way they used to keep you awake all night?" Dr. Norman inquired. I hadn't experienced those complications for a while. I still took my medication occasionally, but I didn't struggle with anxiety anymore. Ever since Olivia entered my life, she gave me reasons not to worry about the things that had triggered me in the past. Maybe she didn't realize it, but I believed she had helped cure me.

"They don't. Sometimes, I even forget that I once went through a severe bout of depression," I admitted, leaning back in my chair.

Dr. Norman raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "And what do you think might have contributed to that?"

"My wife," I confessed straightforwardly. There was no need to beat around the bush.

A small smile formed on his lips. "Right. How did that happen? Is it that she helped you through it or..."

"She doesn't even know I was suffering from depression. Like I said, ever since she came into my life, I stopped experiencing anxiety. She has changed me. I don't know how or when, but she brought light into my life."

It was strange for me to be sharing this with him, something I had never spoken about before. Funny enough, Olivia didn't know about my little struggle with depression. Even Amelia had constantly warned me about taking excess medication. I didn't even remember when I stopped taking them.

"I would like to meet this woman who has had such an impact on you. I'm glad you don't experience anxiety anymore. But I would still like to examine you," Dr. Norman said.

"Just say you've missed treating me," I teased.

He finally took a sip of his coffee. "Well, I missed the payment I used to get from our sessions."

"You won't get paid now. I'm not here for a session," I replied with a light smile.

A frown appeared on his face. "I had already calculated what I would do with the money. I was even thinking about taking my wife out for dinner."

"You can't be serious, Dr. Norman. What does my visit have to do with you going out for dinner with your wife?"

"It would have a significant impact. I know you'd pay a substantial sum. Anyway, I'm glad you're all better now, Logan," he said, his expression turning serious.

"Thank you. That's not the reason why I'm here." I leaned forward, taking a deep breath. "My wife's grandmother is sick and needs a kidney transplant. I want to ask you for a favor, Dr. Norman. I know you're the only one I can turn to. The hospital isn't processing things fast enough."

My thoughts drifted back to earlier at the hospital. The way Olivia cried had shocked me. When her grandma said she doesn't want the transplant, I could understand her to some extent. She might think because she's old, it would be a waste. However, health doesn't discriminate based on age. She still has a chance, and it would be foolish of me not to help when I know I can.

Money isn't an issue. It wasn't easy to calm Olivia down; she gets emotional easily, but sometimes it gets overwhelming. Thankfully, her friend Jamie arrived on time, and I was able to leave the hospital while she was still crying in her grandma's arms.

"As you know, finding a compatible donor can be quite challenging. There are certain criteria to meet," Dr. Norman explained, intertwining his hands on the desk.

"We need to consider blood type compatibility, tissue and antigen match, and the health condition of both the patient and the donor. Both must be in good health and meet specific medical criteria."

He was right; there were strict requirements to meet. "What do we do now? How quickly can we find a matching donor? Why don't you examine me to see if..."

"You're not thinking about giving your kidney?" He cut me off, raising his brows.

"Trust me, I can," I answered. If it meant saving Olivia's grandma, I didn't mind donating my kidney. I knew the pain of losing someone dear, of feeling helpless to save them.

Dr. Norman took a sharp breath. "Look, Logan, you don't have to go to that extent. We'll find a donor quickly. You know how I work." His tone carried a hint of pride in his profession.

"I trust you, and that's why I'm here. I know you'll work things out fast. But we can still test mine, just in case."

"Just say you want to donate your kidney. Do you want to risk your life?"

"Does donating one kidney significantly increase the risk of dying?" I questioned. We locked eyes. "If it's my destiny, I'll face it. I won't have any regrets." I explained. At this stage, I wanted nothing more than for everything to turn out well for Olivia and her family.

My phone chimed on the desk, diverting Dr. Norman's attention. He smirked as he looked at it. "Looks like the madam is missing her husband, who's contemplating selling his kidney."

I shot him a glare. "Don't make it sound like I'm doing something terrible. Mind you, she's pregnant." I realized I hadn't shared any details about Olivia with him.

"Really?" His eyes widened.

"Let me answer the call before I become a suspect in a kidney-selling operation," I said with a chuckle as I accepted the call.

The first thing I was greeted with was Olivia's loud voice. "Where the hell are you! You've been out for more than two hours. Did you leave without me?" A chuckle escaped me at her outburst.

I decided to put the phone on speaker mode so Dr. Norman could hear how dramatic my wife could be.

I cleared my throat. "I can't hear you. What did you say?"

"I said get back here! Don't even think about abandoning me and my baby! I won't go easy on you if you even attempt it!" Dr. Norman and I exchanged amused glances. He was struggling not to burst out laughing, and a smile played on my lips.

"Are you done?" I asked when the silence persisted.

"Yes," her voice was now softer.

"Okay, what was the reason for calling exactly? I'm out but will be back soon," I explained.

"Must I have a reason to call my husband? And where did you go? You don't know anywhere around here," she retorted.

Dr. Norman and I exchanged another amused glance. He shook his head slightly, clearly enjoying our playful bickering. Just then, the young woman who had brought the coffee earlier stepped into the room. "Sir," she began, but Dr. Norman raised his hand, signaling her to wait. Her eyes darted between the two of us, and she couldn't help but form a faint smile.

"What voice did I just hear, Logan? Is that a woman's voice?" Olivia's voice cracked with curiosity. Perfect, I could use this to tease her.

"A woman's voice? Oh, yes."

"What's her name?" I mouthed to Dr. Norman.

"Eliza," he mouthed back.

"Eliza. She's–"

Her next words not only made me burst out laughing, but even Eliza couldn't help but join in. "Logan, get back here right now! And I'm starving!" she exclaimed before abruptly ending the call.

I chuckled and shook my head. "Well, it seems like I have a hungry wife waiting for me. Thanks for your time, Dr. Norman."

He smiled, looking genuinely pleased. "Anytime, Logan. Just remember, you have to take care of yourself too, especially now that you have a baby on the way."

"I will, and I'll keep you updated about Olivia's grandmother's situation." We exchanged farewell before I left his office back to the storm that awaits me.

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