A Family Says Good-bye
Before the final procedure
“Mr. Peterson, please sit here. I need to check your vitals,” the nurse said, gesturing to the hospital bed.
George Peterson nodded wearily, with his wife Ellen and son Jack standing close by.
As the nurse wrapped the blood pressure cuff around his arm, Ellen spoke softly, “How are you feeling, George?”
“I’m… okay,” George replied, his voice barely audible.
The nurse finished her examination and turned to George. “Sir, I’ll need you to surrender your passport and driving license.”
George motioned to Jack who stepped forward, handing over the documents. “Here they are.”
“Thank you,” the nurse said, then hesitated before asking, “Mr. Peterson, have you prepared your will?”
George nodded. “Yes, everything’s in order.”
The nurse produced a form. “I need you and your wife to sign this agreement.”
Ellen’s hand shook as she took the pen. “Is this really necessary?”
“I’m afraid so, ma’am. It’s mandated by the government. Required for this type of… procedure.”
George signed next, his signature a weak scrawl.
“It’s time,” the nurse announced. “We need to take him to the operating room now.”
Ellen leaned in, kissing her husband’s forehead. “I love you, George. Always remember that.”
“I love you too, Ellen. I hope I’ll still be able to after…”
Jack stepped forward, his voice cracking. “Goodbye, Dad. I’ll miss you.”
“Goodbye, Jack. Be strong for your mother.”
The family watched as George was taken through the double doors, disappearing from view.
Jack slumped into a chair. “I don’t understand. Why did he choose to do this?”
“He was afraid of dying, Jack. This was his way of trying to cheat death.”
They sat in silence, the weight of the moment hanging over them.
Teary-eyed, Jack whispered. “Mom, will I ever see Dad again?”
Ellen took a deep breath, her voice heavy with emotion. “Yes, but not as your dad. Now that his final organic part is being swapped for a synthetic counterpart, he would no longer be a dad. He would just be… a machine.”
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