**A Hole in Your Heart**

I knew my time was running out. Spinal osteomyelitis surgery was looming on the horizon, and not many survived that ordeal. I didn't expect to be one of the lucky ones. As I walked towards my hospital room, fear gnawed at me. I was only 17 years old. "Why, God?" I muttered. "Why me? What about my mom?" I had always held God accountable for my troubles.

"Ayush, you're here," my mom said.

"Yeah, but who is she?" I replied.

A young girl of about 6 or 7 sat on my bed. "Oh, she's actually... She's my friend's daughter. Can you take care of her?" my mom asked.

"What! Do you think I'm a babysitter?" I retorted.

My mom's tone grew stern. "I'm not requesting, Ayush. I'm ordering you."

"But what about her mom? Is she careless?" I inquired.

"Shut up! She doesn't have a father, and her mom works tirelessly to support her. So,...