Wild Card

by Elsie Silver

“Clyde’s asleep. But he told me about the—the kidney.” My voice breaks, and more wetness springs up in my eyes. “And just…thank you. I’m so relieved.” “You’re crying because you’re happy?” The bite that was in his tone has morphed into a soft rumble. I smile up at him and nod. What can I say? I’m a sensitive gal. I’ve always felt things just a little more deeply. Bash lets out an exasperated groan, his eyes closing for one long beat as he gives his head a subtle shake. “Please don’t cry. It’s just a kidney.” A weepy laugh lurches from my throat. “Only you would say it’s just a kidney. He’s…he’s been so sore. So resigned. This is…” I suck in a trembling breath. “Bash, this is a new lease on life. You’re saving him.” A whimper spills from my lips as I continue to think about it, my breaths between sentences growing more emotional as I go. “This is so selfless, so brave. You’re giving him a piece of yourself. Do you not see how deeply generous this is?” “For fuck’s sake,” Bash growls. “You’re killing me.”