My husband became an organ donor as his final wish — after he d*ed, his doctor stopped me and said, “There’s something he made me promise to give you only after he was gone.”

“It’s a personal matter.

My name is Sarah.

She doesn’t know me, but — it’s important.”

A pause.

“Diane is on medical leave at the moment.

I’m not able to give out personal contact information.”

“I understand.

Could you pass along a message?

Just my name and number.

She can decide whether to call back.”

Another pause.

“I can try.”

I left my number and hung up.

She called back that same afternoon.

“This is Diane.” Her voice was cautious.

Quiet.

“You said it was important.”

“Yes.

I’m sorry to contact you this way.

My name is Sarah.

I was married to Mark.”

The silence that followed was long enough that I checked the phone to make sure the call was still connected.

“I see,” she finally said.

“He passed away four days ago.