Ashley hesitated. “He’s in the hospital. Both his kidneys have failed, and he’s waiting for a transplant.”
The weight of her words struck James deeply. “Can I see him?” he pleaded.
Ashley hesitated again. “He doesn’t want visitors, especially you. He’s been through so much.”
James’s voice was firm. “Please, let me help. I’ll talk to the doctors.”
Reluctantly, Ashley agreed. At the hospital, the doctor explained Andrew’s critical condition. Time was running out, and a donor was urgently needed. Without hesitation, James volunteered to be tested. To everyone’s relief, he was a match.
“He’ll never accept it if he knows it’s from me,” James told Ashley. “Let it be anonymous.”
The transplant was successful, and Andrew’s recovery began. Weeks later, as he sorted through the mail, he came across another letter from James. Frustration flickered in his expression, but Ashley stopped him.
“Andrew, there’s something you need to know,” she said. “The donor was your father.”
Andrew froze. “What? No, that’s not possible.”
“He came here weeks ago. When he learned you needed a kidney, he insisted on donating. He didn’t want you to know, but I couldn’t keep it from you any longer.”
Andrew sat in silence, the revelation stirring emotions he couldn’t ignore. Gratitude, confusion, and regret washed over him. After some time, he spoke. “I need to see him.”
The next day, Andrew drove to his father’s house. As he knocked on the door, a neighbor approached. “Are you looking for James?” she asked gently.
“Yes. I’m his son,” Andrew replied.
The woman’s expression was somber. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but James passed away a few days ago. He developed complications after the surgery and didn’t make it.”
Andrew’s heart sank as the reality of her words settled in. For years, he had kept his father at a distance, believing the pain of their estrangement was irreparable. Now, faced with the finality of loss, he realized how much he had left unsaid.
Sometimes, opportunities for reconciliation come too late. But James’s final act of love showed that even in silence, forgiveness and love can leave a lasting impact.