Chapter 1 I was born with a congenital heart condition . At twenty - five , I underwent a heart transplant . That same year , Patrick Moore walked into my life . I thought his feelings were genuine - until I found all the documents about my transplant at his place . Later , my body developed a rare rejection . My life hung by a thread . Patrick himself performed the surgery . Seconds before anesthesia pulled me under , I asked him , " Are you thinking of me ... ... or this heart ? " In the end , I forgot Patrick completely . " Hello , is this Ruth Smith ? Our hospital has found a compatible heart donor . Are you free this afternoon ? Please come confirm if you'll accept the surgery . " My hand trembled slightly as I held the phone . After all this time , I'd finally found a match . " Yes , I'll be there this afternoon . " After hanging up , I pressed a hand to my chest . The faint thumping felt 18.46 surreal . Could I really return to a normal life ? After lunch , I rushed to the hospital . " See here? Tests confirm you're a perfect match with this donor . If you agree , we can prepare for surgery immediately . " I nodded repeatedly . " Absolutely . I've waited years for this . " The doctor gently reminded me , " The procedure is costly . Are you certain " I'm certain . " My voice held no hesitation . I'd taken every part - time job since college and saved for three years - just for this moment . " Sign here then . We'll schedule it as soon as possible . " I picked up the pen , my hand shaking as I signed my name . As the doctor turned to leave , I stopped him . " May I know the donor's name ? " They've given me a second chance at life . " He shook his head . " Anonymous donation . We don't have that information . " I stood , clutching my Transplant Acceptance Notice , and walked out . At the corridor's turn , I collided with a doctor . He was tall - the impact sent me stumbling back . My papers scattered across the floor . 18.4653 295 Mouchers Chapter 1 Before I could steady myself , he picked up my notice . His eyes lifted to meet mine . " You alright ? " I shook my head at the unfamiliar face . " Fine . " I walked past him toward the stairs , unaware of the burning gaze following me . * * The hospital called three days later as I packed for surgery . " Ruth ? Your operation is scheduled for next Monday . Arrive early - you'll need post - op observation . " " Understood , " I replied . Waiting for admission churned my stomach with dread . What if the surgery failed ? What if my body rejected the new heart ? What if- A knock cut through my spiraling thoughts . I opened the door to a tall , slender man . He offered an apologetic smile . " Excuse me , I'm the new neighbor next door . Could I borrow your cleaning supplies ? " My mind was preoccupied with the upcoming surgery , so I handed him the items without really looking at his face , then shut the door . With poor blood supply to my heart , I couldn't overexert myself . It took Chapter 1 several rounds to finally get my hospital bag packed . 288 Vouchers Lying quietly in bed , I wondered - shouldn't this cautious life end soon ?