[ WP ] Suicidal people can choose to `` gift '' remaining years to other people on Earth .

They gathered at her bedside. She did n't want them to see her like this, withered and frail and dying, but she needed to see them before she made her sacrifice. 
 
 `` Kids, I've decided.'' 
 
 `` You're going?'' Thomas asked. The oldest, 19. He held the youngest ( Clarice, 6 ) in one arm and held the hand of Sandy ( 11 ) with the other. 
 
 `` Yes. The doctors are saying that I've barely got weeks left most likely, it's growing too fast. They're not sure if the chemotherapy was effective.'' 
 
 `` Should n't you wait to see if it is?'' 
 
 `` It does n't matter to me. Even then, my odds were so slim, it would be a short and difficult life. But what few weeks I might have had, I've chosen to transfer to you. That's what Mr. Singer is here for.'' She gestured to the man in the suit, sitting in the chair in the corner. He stood, with his metallic briefcase clutched in front of him. 
 
 As he set up the machine Thomas stared on in wonder. `` Can you tell us exactly... uh... exactly how much time she's got?'' 
 
 `` Not until after the transfer has taken place, I'm afraid. Even so, the doctors say it's likely to only be 1-2 weeks apiece for each of you. It's an incredible gift to give regardless of how big or small though. Your mother is a very brave woman, and you should respect her choice to pass with dignity at a time and place of her choosing. Everything is set up now,'' he said as he finished unfolding the apparatus from the briefcase and attaching wires to the children's mother. `` I'll attach each of you to the receiving end when you're ready, for now I'll step outside to give you a few minutes to say goodbye.'' 
 
 Five minutes later Thomas opened the door. There were tears hastily wiped away from his cheeks and his eyes were read. Mr. Singer said nothing. `` Mr. Singer... Mom's ready for you.'' 
 
 Inside, he attached each of the children to the machine as he explained the process. `` Mrs. Hallinger, you'll simply feel as if you're falling asleep, same as you've done many times before. Kids, you'll feel a little bit of a chill and a bit lethargic during the transfer itself, and then you may experience some dizziness shortly after. This usually lasts only a few minutes though. If you're all ready, I'll start the procedure now.'' 
 
 All nodded, and he turned a key on the top of the machine, unlocking a cover that he opened to reveal a large red pad. He scanned his right hand on the pad and a light on the top lit up in red. Mrs. Hallinger's eyes fluttered a bit, then closed, and each of the children squirmed a little in their seats. After a minute or so the red light turned off, the cover automatically closed and clicked as it locked, and a small slip of paper printed off. Mr. Singer tore off the paper and his eyes went wide. 
 
 `` Oh... oh my.'' 
 
 Thomas looked up. 
 
 `` Did something go wrong?'' 
 
 Mr. Singer fiddled with a screen on the machine and another slip printed off. He read it and repeated, another slip printed off. He looked up at Mrs. Hallinger's body, then slowly backed into his seat in the corner where he slumped in horror. Thomas picked up the notes. 
 
 `` Tommy, what's wrong? Is everything okay?'' Sandy asked. 
 
 Tommy picked up the notes off the floor where Mr. Singer had dropped them, reading each one. 
 
 `` Mr. Singer, this number here, is this... what does this mean?'' 
 
 `` Thomas, it means that each of you has received 3,412 extra days of life. Which means that your mother had 9,855 days of life remaining.'' 
 
 `` Wait, so... the machine does n't take into account the cancer?'' 
 
 `` It does, Thomas. Your mother had 27 years left to live.''
