It’d been several years, but you had gotten a letter from One Legacy from a donor’s family, they wanted to meet you. You sat quietly in a café, looking out the window and watching people walking by quickly. You wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that lifesaving heart transplant. You kept gazing at your watch, but the person was late, then your phone buzzed.
“Running late, can we meet at Rockefeller Center instead? Meet me by the statue?”
“Sheesh, giving my new heart a workout.” You took your coffee and walked out, walking a few city blocks and you were there. Your heart was certainly racing, you were scared stiff and emotionally unprepared for greeting someone who lost their loved one. That was always hard, if it wasn’t for their loss, you wouldn’t be here today. Taking in a deep breath, you walk steadfast to the statue. There’s not many people standing around, but you take note of a tall man in a trench coat, puffing on a cigar and reading a paper. He did say look for someone with a trench coat, and it was a warm spring day.
“Excuse me?” You were timid, your heart pounding against your rib cage.
The man looked up, he kept his hat on, his shades obscured his eyes. “Ma’am.” He removed his hat and he lowered it. “Thank you for meeting me like this. I know this must be a bit scary for you.”
“Just a bit.” This man seemed so familiar, but you smiled. “It’s really nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.” He looked around hesitantly and he motioned to some tables nearby. They sat and he folded his arms. He was huge but seemed very withdrawn and sad. Which was understandable given the current situation they were in now.
“So… I didn’t know much about the donor.” You looked up, hands ringing together, but his gloved hand touched yours.
“Her name was Rosie, she was my late wife.” He looked down and he tried to compose himself. “She was a donor, I knew that. We made that decision in case something was to happen to us.” Glancing back up to you, he smiled, “How old are you, my dear?”
You were chewing on your bottom lip. “I’m 25.”
“So young… and what do you do now?” He removed his hand from yours and he steepled his fingers together.
“I’m currently working on getting my degree in nursing, I want to work with children. I’m sure it isn’t the worthiest cause, but I figured I best make a difference in a place I know I’d be good at.” You pick up your coffee cup, taking a nice swig, trying to ease your quavering in your voice.
The man just nodded, he took a deep breath, “It’s a worthy cause, young lady. I think you’re doing the best you can with your life. Rosie would’ve appreciated that.” He sighed, he didn’t want to stay too long, lest he be noticed and recognized. “I’m glad you’re well now and that you’re able to live a full life.” He stood, you stood with him. “There’s just… just one more thing, if you’re okay with it. If not, I’ll understand.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“May I listen?”
Taken aback, you stare at him, listen to what? Then it dawned on you, you rested your right hand on the left side of your chest, right over the scar from where the surgeon stitched up their incision. “My heart? Rosie’s heart?”
“Yes.” He was turning the brim of his hat around in his hands.
There’s awkward silence, but you smile and nod, “Yes.” You pull the chair up and sit, and you open your purse. “I had a feeling, but I carry this around with me for my job.” Your handed over a stethoscope.
Otto took it, he knelt to one knee, and he pressed the device to your chest, listening, the strong beat going on, his late wife living on through this young girl’s body now. He squinted his eyes shut and tears began streaming down his face. “Thank you. Thank you so much I… I need to go.” He paused when you took his hand, removed the glove and let him feel your chest. He stood there, feeling that familiar rhythm on his hand. Remembering the nights when his ear heard the rhythmic heartbeat of his wife as she slept next to him, especially when he refused or couldn’t get to sleep. After a long moment, he removed his hand and slipped his glove back on. “Thank you.”
“No, sir, thank you. Thank Rosie.”
Both of you parted ways, he went into a crowed and vanished. You went your way, going to your apartment to prepare for a night class. It was a very good evening.