The Fault In My Heart

• Erin Clack, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2018

Flashes of eyes cross my face, their heads collapsing in their hands, bursting into tears at the sound of my name. i tilt my head looking at her. My other half, sleeping peacefully, while I lay awake, my eyes feeling raw and and bloodshot.

Who would have thought? Everyone knew it was going to happen. We were racing to be the oldest in the world - the oldest conjoined twins in the world. But no. The heart - my heart its going to take a break for a while. Well that's what mum says anyway.

We are joined at the waist. Me Lexi, and my sister Ivy - the favourite. So when the doctors gave my parents the choice who to keep alive, oh it was such a tough decision - NOT.

The past three weeks flew by, it eventually all became a blur.

"Lexi"
"Yeah?" I reply, breaking my daydream.

"You okay?" She asked, as we lay on the hospital bed. Before I could answer, Mum burst into the room. Then a doctor walks in and checks our pulses.

So I believe we are going ahead with seperating you both? And Lexi has been diagnosed with a faulty heart?

Mum nods.

"Have you found a donor?"
"Sh..she's too rare", Mum stutters.
"So have you chosen?"

Every minute felt like an hour. I tried to distract myself but all I kept hearing was...

"Are you sure you want to Ivy?"
And her replying, "yes she deserves this more than me."

Before I could say anything, the mask came over my head and it all went black.

I slowly opened my eyes. The lights were blurring. Is this what heaven looks like? But then I heared mum whisper beside me. Her head was in her hands - she looked exhausted.

She smiled at me through tears. "Ivy didn't make it."