A Bright Future

Inside the oversized hospital gown, my fists were clenched.

Today was supposed to be the day of my wedding with my fiance, Anthony Jackson.

But I was lying in a hospital bed because of a car accident.

The day before the wedding, I received a phone call.

On the other end of the line, Anthony was completely drunk.

The bar owner asked me to pick him up and take him home.

I dropped the wedding favors I was wrapping and rushed out after throwing on a coat.

Just before leaving, I saw the car keys Anthony had left at the door.

He had especially left them for me that day.

"You're going to the station to pick up your friends today. It'll be more convenient if you have a car. I left the keys by the door for you."

When he kissed my forehead, my heart was full of sweetness, grateful that I was marrying such a thoughtful man.

The streets were deserted late at night. At an intersection, a truck swerved past in front of me. I didn’t have time to think. Instinctively, I stepped on the brake—but it was useless.

I had a car accident.

Anthony rushed to the hospital soon after. Seeing me covered in blood sobered him up quite a bit.

"Where’s Calum? Get Calum here!"

Calum was our university classmate and now a well-known surgeon at this hospital.

I was wheeled into the operating room. Although I couldn’t open my eyes, I was still vaguely conscious.

I really wanted to comfort Anthony, to tell him not to worry, that I was okay.

My fingers moved slightly, but Anthony didn’t notice.

"Calum, let’s begin."

I heard Anthony’s voice.

"Anthony, are you sure you want to give Indya Nina's corneas? Once it's done, then Nina will be blinded for the rest of her life."

My heart began to pound violently. ‘Corneas? What corneas?’

"I’m sure. Nina and I are getting married soon. I’ll take care of her from now on. But Indya is different. She’s a painter. She can’t lose her eyes. That would be no different than taking her life."

A tear slipped from the corner of my eye. I used all the strength I had to try and open my eyes.

"I arranged this car accident just so Indya could get a cornea transplant. Don’t try to talk me out of it. Can you really bear to see Indya keep falling apart? This is what I owe her."

Calum didn’t respond.

I felt a warm palm press gently against my face.

"Don’t be afraid, Nina. From now on, I’ll be your eyes."