The Cost of Saving My Daughter

My daughter received admission notices from Harvard University and Princeton University, and she immediately came to share her joy with me. On the way to a restaurant to celebrate, a large truck suddenly lost control and hit me. In the chaos, my daughter pushed me out of the way. I was unharmed, but she suffered a serious intracranial hemorrhage and was rushed to the emergency room.

My husband, with tears streaming down his face, said, "Anna, the doctor said our daughter's condition is critical, and only you—a medical genius—can perform the surgery."

My father-in-law, sobbing, pleaded, "Hayley was injured to save you. You must not let her suffer!"

My mother-in-law, trembling, tried to kneel down as she begged me to save my daughter. I calmly extended my hand, revealing a small scratch on the back of it.

"Sorry, my hand is injured, and it’s not convenient for surgery."

——

"Hayley was so excited to get the admission letters from Princeton University and Harvard University that she came to share the good news without even eating."

"She was perfectly fine when she left, so how did she end up seriously injured and in the emergency room?!"

My mother-in-law rushed to the hospital, distressed and confused, demanding answers. I sat in the hospital corridor, calmly explaining, "Yes, she came to my office with the admission letters. She mentioned wanting to celebrate with a hot pot. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, a truck out of control hit me. Hayley pushed me away to save me. I was fine, but she got seriously hurt."

Upon hearing my story, my mother-in-law broke down in tears. My father-in-law sighed deeply, "This child has always been thoughtful and wise. In critical moments, she values your life over her own."

Though my husband, Taylor Carson, was heartbroken, he still comforted me, "Anna, don’t blame yourself too much. Hayley has always been closest to you. She did this because she wants you to be safe. As long as you’re okay, she will get through this."

Taylor’s voice was gentle, and his concern was genuine. My father-in-law nodded in agreement, "Yes, Anna, Hayley has always been closest to you. You must stay strong and not let her worry."

My mother-in-law, still self-blaming, patted her chest, "It’s all my fault. I should have been with Hayley."

"If I were there, I would rather risk my life than let either of you get hurt!"

Even though their daughter is their beloved child, and they know her life hangs in balance because of me, the three of them suppressed their grief. They comforted me, offering support and not adding any pressure.

As I looked into their worried eyes, I didn’t speak a word.

During the rescue, critical condition notices came in one after another. The doctors continued to struggle, and the prognosis remained bleak. As everyone waited anxiously, the attending doctor emerged from the emergency room with a distressed look. He hurried toward me and urgently said, "Director Carson, the patient’s condition is very dangerous. We are powerless without you."

"You are a medical genius. Only if you perform the surgery can there be a slim chance of survival!"

Hearing this, my father-in-law again cried out, "Anna, Hayley was injured to save you. You must not let her suffer!"

My mother-in-law wiped her tears, her voice trembling as she echoed, "Yes, Anna, Hayley has a bright future ahead with Princeton and Harvard University. You must save her!"

Taylor gazed at me with sincere eyes, "Anna, Hayley’s life is in your hands."

The three of them placed all their hopes on me.