Picking up the phone and hearing what the caller said, Amy put it down and said:
"They found a donor for Violet."
Over these days, she had often visited the girl, and she had become like a daughter to her, so she was very happy about this news.
"We need to call Jill's cafe and tell Ray about this. I'll go get Grandma, and you head to the hospital," said Lily, who, despite the very good news, quickly composed herself.
Receiving the good news, Ray rushed to the old man's shop, then together they went to the bank.
Time was very precious, so Violet's tests were monitored very carefully. As soon as a donor appeared, the doctors began preparing the girl for surgery.
Now the little one was sitting in her room. It was evident she was very nervous. She looked at everyone fearfully.
Noticing this, Ray turned to the others and said:
"Could you give us a couple of minutes?"
Everyone in that room knew that Ray had a silver tongue. And since time was short, everyone left, hoping he would find the right words.
When they were alone, Ray sat down opposite the girl and said gently:
"Let's make a deal: you won't cry, and I'll tell you a secret that no one knows—not even your sister or my mom."
When the girl heard Ray's words, her unusual eyes lit up with anticipation. She wiped away her tears and nodded resolutely.
"You know that I've been working a lot lately, right?"
"Yes, sis and Aunt Amy were always complaining about you."
Hearing these words, Ray smiled tenderly and stroked the girl's head.
"I worked so hard to buy a big house where we can all live together. Everyone will have their own room there."
"After your operation, you'll need to stay in the hospital a while longer. But as soon as you're better, Lily and I will take you to an amusement park. But you have to promise me you'll be a good girl and listen to the doctors."
When the girl heard these words, her cute little face scrunched up, and she asked:
"Do I have to take bitter medicine?"
"Yes, but I know you can handle it. I've been taking bitter medicine for years, and if I can do it, so can you."
Now Lily, Ray, Rosie, and Amy were sitting outside the operating room. The girl was gripping his hand so tightly it hurt, but Ray decided to ignore the discomfort. He just held her, hoping his presence helped.
Ray was nervous too, but he had done everything he could. Now all that remained was to hope for the doctors' professionalism and little Violet's luck.
Seeing her great-granddaughter's state, Rosie took her hand and said:
"Dear, can we talk?"
When they stepped aside, Rosie looked the girl in the eyes and said:
"I understand you perfectly, but even if it ends badly, you have to move forward. There are people in your life worth living for. We don't know how the operation will go, and I don't think I have much time left. I know it hurts to hear this, but whatever happens in the future, remember: you're not alone anymore. Besides, you and Ray did everything you could. Promise me you won't do anything stupid?"
Looking at Amy and Ray, who had become a support for their family, the girl said:
"I promise."
She had long since decided that if she lost Ray, she would do everything to become a support for her beloved's mother and help her cope with it.
The operation lasted about six hours. Stopping the tired doctor and learning that everything had gone well, everyone could finally breathe.
"The girl will be in intensive care for a while, and you won't be able to see her. I promise you we'll do everything possible. Now you need to go home and rest."
Six hours of agonizing waiting had exhausted everyone. Rosie had the hardest time. Now the old woman was crying.
"Thank you so much," Lily said sincerely, also struggling to hold back tears.
"It's my job, so no need for thanks. But the girl will have to learn to live anew, and you with her. The operation went well, but for you, this is only the beginning of the journey. So be prepared."