My father toured the world as a ship doctor. My dearest friend and amazing man. After reading his journals, I realized I didn’t know everything. My father had a stunning secret. That secret involved me.
I was in my father’s study, surrounded by the house’s profound silence, as the sun had long set. The sadness was raw and unhealed.
Despite his death being over a month ago, every part of this space appeared to reverberate his presence.
I sat in his favorite armchair, running my fingertips over his desk’s polished wood, attempting to muster the bravery to open the journal. It was his most valuable item, a life history I was forbidden to read.
When I asked, he smiled and said, “Some things are just for me.”
After his death, I felt driven to reveal the truths he left behind.
I smelled ink and old paper, recalling sitting in this room as a child watching Dad write. As I turned the pages, the entries were as expected.
My father traveled the world as a ship’s doctor for most of his life. Adventurer and healer, he has seen the globe from a ship.
He spent his life helping others, healing shattered bones, and comforting souls while navigating the wide, dangerous oceans.
Amidst medical cases and journeys came something unexpected.
“I met her years ago in a small coastal town. Helena… She differed. After losing Elena’s mother, I never imagined I could love again, but Helena showed me life’s surprises. My soul was shaped by our brief relationship.
Recently, she wrote me an unexpected letter. She has my daughter. I’ve never seen her or realized she existed until now. Regret weighs me down. I want to find her and apologize, but time is running out. How was I a parent to them? It may be too late to fix things.”
As his words hit me, my palms trembled. A daughter. Another daughter. My thoughts raced as I tried to grasp the idea that I had a sister I never knew about.
My father bore this load until his death.
I muttered, “I’ll find her for you, Dad,” into the silence.
***
I started the car and put my bags in the backseat the next morning. The engine fired up.
Dad, we’re going. Help us find her.”
It felt like the road went on forever through small towns and countryside. So I talked to him even though he wasn’t there to answer.
“Remember our road trips?” I said, looking at his old passenger seat.
“You always said, ‘Elena, the journey is just as important as the destination.’ I never understood it then. But now… I guess I understand now.”
His laughter used to warm the automobile, and I could practically hear it.
You always have a tale, right? Always made the miles fly.”
My smile faded immediately.
It’s different without you.”
The road wound past small towns, blurring them as I focused on the task ahead. The memories persisted.
Remember when we got lost? In the midst of nowhere? You weren’t mad. Just laughed and said:
“Sometimes the wrong road takes you to the right place.”
The GPS finally said, “You’ve already reached the place of your destination.”
I halted when I saw the small house.
Is this it? I whispered, pulling up to the curb, “She’s in there.”
Dad, did you imagine I’d do this? Meet a sister I didn’t know existed?
I stopped the car and stared at the house.
I hope she’s prepared. Because I’m not.”
***
I could sense anxiety growing as I approached the front door.
What if she refused to meet me? Perhaps this was a mistake.
First I hesitated, then I knocked. After what seemed like a lifetime, the door creaked open and there she was.
I saw a gorgeous younger woman. She resembled our father so intensely that I gasped. It was my sister Isabella.
“Hi,” I struggled to say. I’m Elena, your…
Isabella took me in with a pause, her eyes narrowing, after opening the door a crack. I could see her mind working to process my unexpected appearance.
“What are you doing here?” she said, unwelcomingly.
“I came to talk,” I whispered. “Sorry for the sudden notification, but I recently discovered you and us.”
Her eyes flashed, but a calm, distant demeanor covered it.
“You learned. So you just showed up?
I had to. I had no other way to contact you. I wish to… I suppose I understand. I wanted to meet you.”
Isabella’s stare intensified, and she opened the door wider to enter the light.
“Understand? What’s to comprehend, Elena? Strangers here. We lived our lives. What to talk about?
I swallowed to fight the tension.
“We’re sisters,” I said, feeling awkward. “I hoped we could connect. Maybe we can support each other.”
She laughed briefly, without humor. “Help each other? Know what you’re talking about?
“Really, I know nothing. I want to.”
Isabella stared at me for a long time. I stared at her to show her how much this meant to me. “You want to know?” she whispered.
Fine, I’ll explain. Our father was everything to my mother. Yet he abandoned us, Elena. He left us to suffer alone while you… Must have him to yourself.”
Her words burned slowly, her hurt permeating every syllable.
“I’m sorry, Isabella.”
“Sorry?! Is sorry now useful? Her voice raised.
Are you familiar with abandonment? To know your father chose someone else over you? My mother reared me alone. She sacrificed everything for me.”
Her remarks brought tears to my eyes.
Isabella, I lost him too. He wanted time to find you.”
“Maybe,” she answered coldly, with resignation. “But that changes nothing.”
She turned and slammed the door in my face before I could respond. I stood surprised and hurt.
However, a big thud came from within the house. I pounded on the door without thinking.
“Isabella! Are you okay? Isabella!”
No response, only creepy silence that chilled me. I grabbed my phone and called 911. I scarcely touched the buttons.
“I need an ambulance. Please hurry! An emergency.”
***
The doctors’ solemn eyes told me they were serious before they talked in the hospital waiting room.
“Miss Elena, I’m afraid your sister is critically ill,” a doctor said gently but firmly.
She’s battled this condition for years, like her mother. Unfortunately, a donor is her only hope.”
“Just like her mother,” I muttered, recalling Isabella’s words.
No donor was found in time, killing her mother. Unbearable to think Isabella would suffer the same.
“Test me! We’re sisters. Maybe I’ll match.”
I was hopeful and afraid that I could save her.
If I wasn’t compatible? Suppose I couldn’t help her?
***
The days that followed were terrible. The sterilized hospital room was my hangout. Some nights, I slept in the little motel room.
The results were ready finally.
“You’re a perfect match, Elena,” the doctor added.
“Am I?” Just just believing it, I said. “Can I help her?”
He nodded, but looked serious.
Elena, you can. I need you to understand something before you decide. This procedure has hazards. Donating is serious even if you’re healthy. Complications like pain, infection, or long-term health issues are possible. It will take time and effort to recover.”
The notion of going through something that intense was scary, but not helping Isabella was worse.
The body needs time to adjust and repair. You must understand the physical and mental effects of this.”
Real risks existed.
What if I don’t do this? I inquired, knowing the answer but seeking confirmation.
Isabella is short on time without a donor. She has her greatest chance.”
“I will. Help her, no matter what.”
***
We recovered without difficulties after the operation. Isabella was stunned when she learned I saved her.
Only after surgery did the doctors tell her I was the donor. I was worried she might refuse if she knew.
She was silent, and I could sense her humiliation and regret for how she had treated me earlier.
“Thank you, Elena… How can I repay you? I apologize for anything I said and did to you.”
I grabbed her hand.
No need to apologize. We both have plenty to repair. Start over.”
Will you stay?
“We can start over together.”
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