As soon as I arrived back home from hospital, I shut the door to my bedroom and dialled Olly’s number. The phone only rang once before he answered.
‘Marls?’
As soon as I heard his voice, longing hit me like a blow to the spine.
‘Hi.’
‘Oh, thank God. I’ve been trying –’
‘I know. I’m really sorry.’
He had so many questions, but I asked him if I could tell him something first.
‘Of course you can.’ His voice was soothing.
‘I’m taking Harper to China – she can get her transplants there.’ I told him about Anita, Mr Zhāng and how I would be funding the whole thing using the inheritance from my mother.
The silence on the other end of the phone was dense and full.
‘Olly?’ I felt light-headed.
‘Sorry, I need a moment.’ His voice sounded cold. I thought I could hear traces of disappointment. A moment quickly came and went.
‘Olly, what’s going on?’
‘I’m just a little shocked. I mean, my girlfriend has just told me she’s about to take her dying sister to China where she will purchase a heart and lungs for her on the black market.’
His words stung.
‘I was hoping you might be more understanding.’
‘Understanding? What you’re talking about is unethical… Is it even safe for Harper?’
‘I can take care of things myself.’
‘Don’t be like that.’ Another long breath. ‘Look, let’s talk about this rationally.’
He didn’t understand. No one did. ‘I –’ My voice broke. ‘She’s my sister.’
‘I know, Marls.’ His voice softened. ‘But what you’re doing is illegal, and who knows if you can really trust this Zhāng guy?’
‘Bì Yù will be there, and she –’
‘Does Bì Yù even know exactly what’s going on? How much have you told her?’
He knew me too well.
‘I’ve got to go,’ I said.
Stop, a little voice whispered. Take a breath. But I couldn’t.
‘What? You’re going to hang up, just like that?’
‘I’ll talk to you later.’ As I ended the call, I felt an ache in my chest. I curled into a ball and buried my face in the maroon jumper.