Keon McGowan

Twelve years ago, I met my first love. Ten years ago, she left without warning. And nine months after that, her parents knocked on my door with a new-born baby in one hand and a divorce in the other. Darcy was gone and she was never coming back.

So imagine my surprise when my ex-wife turned up my Accident & Emergency Department. She’s critically ill, refusing to have life saving treatment and has just weeks to live. The anger I still feel over the end of our marriage at what she did to our child says it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person. My brain says I don’t care. But my heart… my heart has different ideas.

I’m a doctor. I save lives, not end them. And sure, part of being a doctor is respecting a patient’s wishes, but it’s not in my nature to give up a fight until I’ve run out of options. And Darcy isn’t out of options. So, why is she giving up?

I have four days to find out.

Four days in Sherwood Forest at my family’s annual end of summer retreat. Four days with our daughter so that when she’d old enough to ask questions, she’ll have memories. Four days in close proximity to Darcy. Of course, I’m not looking for a second chance, just closure, and then maybe, just maybe, I won’t spend the rest of my life alone. 

But there’s a flaw in my plan. Spending time with my ex only makes me realise one thing; I’d rather fight with Darcy, than make love with anyone else. 

Can I convince Darcy to fight for a tomorrow we may not have?