Damsel in Distress by Mongolita

"Morning mum, are we still going to the amusement park later?"

"Of course, son. And we will get a ride on the Roller Coaster and an ice-cream after."

Mauricio's excitement was short-lived. After getting his ice-cream he suddenly collapsed. Inés ran to his rescue and was shocked to see his lifeless body lying on the floor.

"Somebody, call an ambulance," she pleaded.

After a few weeks and many tests, doctor Hector diagnosed Mauricio with leukemia. He needed a bone marrow transplant.

After many attempts to become parents, Inés and Cesar opted to undergo embryo transplant in a private clinic, and Mauricio was born, the cherished son Inés longed for.

Mauricio was close to his mum. The relationship with his dad, however, was distant. Sadly, the demands of his job put too much strain on their marriage, and it led to their divorce; custody was given to Mauricio's mum.

Inés' mum, Lisa, was a pillar of strength. She was there with her on every visit to the pediatric oncologist. He wasn't responding to the treatment and was showing the side effects.

Time was ticking. He had a couple of fits and his heart was weak. Unless they found a donor, he would not survive the night.

The only option Inés had was to phone the manager of the clinic, Monica. She remembered Monica commented that she was using the same donor for another family. There might be a little hope that he or she could be a compatible donor.

"Monica, it's Inés here. After our last conversation, did you talk to the family about my request?"

"I have not been able to get through to the family. I'll phone you back."

"Mauricio needs the transplant tonight or he'll die. Can you not give me their telephone number? It's a simple procedure - a blood sample to see if their child could save my son."

"I'm afraid I cannot disclose this information, it's confidential."

"But my son's life depends on it."

"Sorry, I can't break confidentiality." Monica hung up.

Inés decided to break into the clinic office to get the information. Her ordeal began when she came face to face with the security guard. She struggled with him as he tried to arrest her; somehow, she ended up holding his gun.

Suddenly, gun in hand, she found herself taking the children's ward hostage.

The hospital was surrounded by police. Inés called the BBC and spoke about the injustice her son was going through when he could be saved.

Mrs Hernandez, the mother of the probable donor, was watching TV when her program was interrupted by a news flash.

"I don't really know how I ended up here. I would do anything to save my son. I'm a Damsel in Distress."

The doctor called out for Inés.

"Your son had another fit. He is fighting but..."

Inés ran to his bedside and lay next to him. 

"What would I do without you, please don't leave me. You're strong, fight it so that we can go to the amusement park again.”