The last time Adrian visited Lark, he noticed she had pictures of horses up all over her hospital room.
"Lark loves horses," America said when Adrian had asked her about it.
Since Adrian was coming to visit Lark again in one more day, he had decided to get her a bunch of horse-related presents this time. He selected a horse calendar, a few porcelain horses, and a picture book about horses. Lark was beyond ecstatic.
"Thank you! I love it," she exclaimed.
"I'm so happy you like it," Adrian said, "What can I bring you the next time I see you?"
Lark thought carefully.
"Maybe an art set," she said, "I love to draw."
"You draw?"
"Wanna see some of my pictures?"
"I'd love to," Adrian said.
Lark opened her sketchpad. Adrian was amazed.
"This is me," Lark said, "This is mommy, and this is my daddy. We're celebrating."
"What are you celebrating," Adrian asked.
"We're celebrating me getting better," Lark said, "This is after I get my transplant. I won't get better without it."
Adrian swallowed the lump in his throat.
"You'll get better," he promised.
Lark smiled. She turned the page. It was a picture of a young man and a newborn baby.
"That was my dad when I was a little baby," Lark said, "He's holding me."
She turned the page again.
"Can I draw you," she asked him.
"I'd love that," Adrian said, "But how about tomorrow when I visit again?"
"YAY," Lark said as she hugged him. America walked him out.
"I'll donate my kidney to Lark," Adrian said when Lark was out of earshot.
America couldn't help it. She hugged Adrian. Tears of joy spilled down her face.
"Thank you, Mr. Monk-"
"It's Adrian," he corrected, "Mr. Monk was my father."
"Thank you, Adrian," she corrected herself, "I know that was a hard decision. This is perfect timing. The doctor told me today that she had 3 weeks at most without the transplant."
"We'd better get it done as soon as possible then," Adrian said.
"You're a wonderful man," America said.
Adrian felt his heart swell with compassion.
Right at that point Warrick came in. He saw Adrian and started to walk the other way.
"No it's okay," Adrian said.
Warrick paused.
"Listen," Adrian began, "Look at me…"
Warrick lifted his head to look at Adrian.
"I forgive you," he said, "I know you were just a pawn in the game of whoever made you do it."
"Thank you Mr. Monk," Warrick said, "I appreciate that more than you can possibly know."
"I will also be donating my kidney to Lark," Adrian continued.
Warrick stared at him wide eyed.
"I understand," Adrian continued, "I've been through tough times too."
"I don't think I can thank you enough," Warrick said.
"You're welcome," Adrian replied.
The transplant was scheduled for 3 days from now.