Lo so-4

"You can't have children normally anymore, Lulu."

I gently lay the cereal box on its side. I can feel my hands shaking and a lump rising in my throat.

"What exactly does that mean: normally?"

Matteo walks over to me and lays his hands flat against the cold marble of the island. Then he takes a deep breath.

"Three years ago... the day of the accident. Elio had to make a decision in order to save you."

Matteo is cautious of me, but I do not show him any emotion. I just want to know what these men have been hiding from me all along.

"Do you remember the day you saw Elio in his hospital room, Lulu?"

I nod as I feel a teardrop in the corner of my eyes. How could I forget that day?

"That day, several doctors were in the room next to Elio," he comments.

"Yes, there were. Doctors for organ donation," I say mechanically.

Matteo nods, then purses his lips for a moment.

I can see the doubt, remorse, and guilt in him.

"There were two other doctors. Fertility experts, Lulu..."

I raise