You present a story which seems to have no resolution, and yet you offer a resolution. In a nutshell, you present us with the challenge of living. We all make bargains to stay in life. Claire is given a stark choice, which is not much of a choice, but still a choice. The doctor thinks it's his choice, but it's not. Claire leaves the building and the decision is made.
An interesting story with a not cheerful premise. Yet, despite the extraordinary circumstances, it is after all about the human condition and mortality.
Thank you for posting this story in the Ink Well community.
I loved the way you summarized this. I feel like I can't even add to it because you captured the essence of it!
We all have a choice as to how fully we will live our lives - and how far we are willing to extend ourselves beyond our comfort level to experience that "fullness".
Definitely not a cheerful premise, but a real one. Thank you for the visit :-)