The Choice

They lay together, side by side, he and she, their lips inches away, full and rosy with young life, her hand on her shoulder, inevitably protective. Their eyes were closed, though entirely aware of each other, their lips now gently curled as if enjoying a private joke, a dream they were both in.

They stood together, side by side, he and she, her hands clasped in his, she looking at them, he looking at her, the same thoughts swirling through both, the same question, the same guilt, the same helplessness, the same sharp heart stopping pain.

"Are you sure about who gets the common heart?" asked the chief surgeon. They nodded, he signed the form, she didn't stray her gaze from them. As the surgeon walked away, they stayed on next to them, the four Hobsons, for tomorrow, there would only be three.