Heart Of Atlantis

David's heart pounded as he walked through the doors of New York Central Health Clinic. Each step he took felt heavier than the last. On sight of the receptionist he quickly rushed towards her, his voice shaking.

 Please, ma'am, I need to see a little girl who was rushed in here some hours ago. She's about twelve years old," he said, his anxiety obvious.

 The receptionist, sensing his distress, offered a calming smile. Ok what's the little girl's name? she asked

 "Elina," David replied.

 She quickly scanned her system. "Elina... Yes, she's in Room 4, down the hall," she said, pointing him in the right direction.

 David hurried down the hall, his heart sinking with each step, wondering what might have happened to his daughter.

 When he finally reached the room, the sight before him nearly broke him. Elina lay in the hospital bed, her small face covered by an oxygen mask, IV drips attached to her frail arms. She looked so vulnerable, and David felt a deep pang of helplessness.

 Surprisingly, Rachel, David's elder sister, sat beside Elina, her face lined with worry. What took you so long, David? she asked, concern evident in her tone.

 I came as soon as I could, David said, moving closer to the bed. What did the doctor say? How is Elina?

 Rachel's eyes filled with pain. It's not good, David. The doctor said her condition had worsened. She needs a heart transplant within six months, or... or she might not make it.

 Tears welled up in his eyes, and despite his efforts to hold them back, they began to flow freely.

 Rachel placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. I know it's hard, but crying won't help her now. In addition, the doctor said we need to raise two hundred thousand dollars for the transplant.

 Two hundred thousand dollars? David echoed, his voice filled with disbelief. How am I supposed to come up with that enormous of money? He exclaimed.

 Rachel sighed deeply, sharing in his frustration. The doctor explained that there were only a few slots left for heart transplants, and the hospital was running out of available organs. Finding a healthy heart is rare these days.

 David leaned onto the chair beside the bed, feeling utterly defeated. The number echoed in his mind, two hundred thousand dollars, a sum that seemed impossibly large.

 The night passed slowly. David remained by Elina's side, his thoughts a chaotic mix of fear, anger, and determination. Morning brought with it a soft glow as sunlight streamed into the room. Elina stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.

 Dad... is that you? she asked weakly, her voice barely audible.

 David's heart ached. Yes, pumpkin, Daddy's here, he replied, rushing to her side.

 Daddy... it hurts, Elina whispered, reaching out to him.

 David took her hand, squeezing it gently. l know, sweetheart, he said softly. But you're strong, and we're going to get through this together. The nurse will be here soon just hold on, she will give you something to ease the pain. 

 Elina managed a small smile despite the pain. "Okay daddy"

 As the nurse entered to check on Elina, David stepped aside, watching as the nurse attended to her. But he couldn't just sit there and watch his daughter go through that pain, he needed to do something. His mind kept racing back and forth. I need to do something, anything; these words keep echoing in his head.

 "I'll be back soon, okay?" David whispered to Elina, kissing her forehead. 

 Daddy, please stay with me; Elina's voice was barely a whisper. 

 Don't worry, pumpkin, I will be back before you know it, and I will get you your favorite ice cream, David said with a smile reassuring her.

 Over the next few hours, David threw himself into a desperate mission to raise the money. He set up a crowdfunding page, reached out to old friends and colleagues, and even visited several banks, pleading for a loan. But everywhere he turned, the doors seemed to close in his face.

 By the time David returned to the hospital, he was utterly drained, both emotionally and physically. He carried a small bag with the promised ice cream, hoping to bring some normalcy to Elina's life. As he approached the hospital entrance, he unexpectedly stumbled upon James pacing outside.

 "David!" James exclaimed. "I've been trying to reach you. I heard about Elina, and I'm deeply sorry. Please if there's anything I can help you with don't hesitate to tell me.

 David nodded wearily. Thanks for stopping by James really appreciate it, but the only help I need right now is how to raise two hundred thousand dollars for Elina's heart David replied.

 James stammered, struggling to find the words. Two hundred thousand dollars? That's… that's so much. How on earth are we supposed to come up with that kind of money?

 David let out a weary sigh. I've tried everything, James. I went to the bank for a loan, but they turned me down. I even tried the government, but they denied me too. I'm frustrated. I don't know what else to do.

 James placed his hands on David's shoulder reassuring him that everything will be alright.

 "I've been thinking," James said, a bit hesitant. "If we resumed our search for Atlantis, we might find enough money to cover Elina's transplant. And legend also says it holds great power that could heal anything."

 A heavy silence fell between them. David stared at James for a while, his expression unreadable.

 "Go home, James. Atlantis is a lost cause," David finally said, his voice firm. James nodded, disappointment flickering in his eyes as they went their separate ways.

 As David neared the door, Elina saw him and exclaimed, "Dad!". She ran to him, wrapping her arms around him. "Where have you been, Dad?"

 David was taken aback by her energy. Just this morning, she'd been bedridden, and now she was up and running around. "I've been busy with work," he replied, amazed and confused by her sudden vitality. "Look what I got for you," David said, holding up the ice cream.

 "Ooh, Dad, you got ice cream! And it's vanilla, my favorite! Thank you, Dad."

 "You're welcome, my little pumpkin," David said, smiling down at her. "Could you give me a few minutes? I need to check with the nurse."

 "Yes, Daddy, but hurry back, or I might eat all the ice cream without you."

 David chuckled. "I'll be quick," he promised, heading out of the room to find the nurse and get more clarity on Elina's condition.