[ WP ] A way to beat terminal diseases has been newly discovered . A suicidal person can `` exchange '' themselves to save a terminally ill patient from disease/death . The only requirement is they must meet face to face to agree beforehand .

The light buzzing of the hospital room's ceiling lights created for sufficient background noise, annoying as they were. They were better than no noise, Edward thought. Edward was fifty-six, and was laying on his literal deathbed. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which had rapidly spread to other areas in his body. The doctors said five months. That was four and a half months ago. New Year's had just passed, marking the year 1927. This was the supposed big year for his company. 
 
 He was weak; walking was a chore, and speaking could sometimes give him splitting head aches. His mouth became parched, which lead to his dreaded dry coughs. Recently they had been bloody, and the back of his throat would feel like it was being churned out by a sharpened cheese grater. Every kleenex he had in his pockets were lined with blood, the sight of which repulsed him. He threw them into the trash bin, which was beginning to look it belonged in the evidence department of a police station. 
 
 Lying down on the stiff bed, he stared out into the frosted window on his right side, which gave him a view of the wintery landscape out below. The sky was white, full and threatening to unleash yet another blizzard of snow on the city. 
 
 The doctor finally walked in, pushing the curtains that surrounded his bed aside. They hushed loudly as they were forced along the metal pole. `` Okay, Mr. Butler,'' he began as he made his way onto the foot of the bed. `` As we previously have informed you, we have found a candidate that fits our criteria, and could possibly be fit to exchange with you. You have agreed, up until this point, to carry out with this request, yes?'' He asked Edward as he pushed his glasses down to look him in the eyes. 
 
 Edward thought for a moment before answering. Why anyone would want to leave this earth prematurely, before their designated time, pushed him into deep thoughts of confusion and wonder. The thought of it induced strong melancholy. How selfish of himself, he thought. How selfish it was for him to steal another's life, just to save his own. He did n't want a martyr. Why should another human, like himself, volunteer to die just so an Edward Butler could live to see another couple of years. But he thought of his children. Maxwell, Benjamin, and Francesca. His three angels, who he hoped to see grow up and lead their own families. Maxwell was nearing 30, and had gotten married just last year. He had fully taken over their family business, which was in the investing and finance industry, and looked to be a great boss and leader for many years to come. Francesca was in her mid-20s and was working on finishing law school. He was so proud of them both, and yearned to watch them progress and become successful adults. Benjamin was the youngest of the three, and was only just becoming an adult himself. He may have been the dearest to Edward. Something about Ben made him so vulnerable, yet capable. He was only 17, and had a bright future ahead of him in mathematics, which he had shown a great potential for. Unfortunately the interest did n't seem to be there, although Edward figured he'd grow into it eventually. He believed in Ben. 
 
 `` Uhm, yes. Yes, doctor, I'll carry on with it.'' He replied, with watery eyes and a heavy heart. 
 
 `` Do n't feel so bad, Edward,'' The doctor said in a playful, reassuring tone, `` You're not stealing a life. These are patients that have been on a suicide watch for some time now. When our medical assistance deem them as'good-as-gone', we welcome them to the idea of exchanging. Why let a man of your stature, in your position, die off and go into waste, and yet, these poor, lost, souls were going to off themselves anyway? They have agreed to do this. Fret not, Mr. Butler. You're making the right decision.'' 
 
 The doctor's disclaimer did not help Edward in any way, but that did not matter anymore. He was already signing the contract, and condemning another life from existing on this earth. 
 
 `` Now I want to remind you once again, that you are going to have to speak with the individual, so that you are both not only in agreement contractually, but verbally as well.'' The doctor told him. 
 
 `` What an utterly cruel practise.'' Edward said under his breath. 
 
 The doctor, still looking down at the papers in his hand to double check everything, said, `` Perhaps. But we need to be certain that both parties are willingly making this decision. Better to be safe than sorry.'' 
 
 Edward understood, but thought it was cruel nonetheless. 
 
 `` I'll go fetch the exchange patient. Just a moment, please.'' The doctor spoke as he stepped back and closed the curtains behind him. 
 
 While he was gone a nurse came to check Edward's vitals. She attached an IV wire to his arm and began taking his temperature, and asking him basic questions on his health thus far. 
 
 `` Tell me, nurse, would you do the same? Would you selfishly preserve yourself by taking another?'' Edward asked as he looked up at her. 
 
 She nodded and smiled, while remaining silent so she could gauge his heartbeat through the stethoscope. `` Of course, Mr. Butler. Who would n't want to be granted a second chance in life? To return to their family and live with him for another number of years, rather than end it all in here?'' 
 
 He agreed. 
 
 `` Besides, you've already signed the sheets. Although the face to face is a requirement, it's really more of a formality.'' She said as she walked back to the wheeled-table she had rolled in with her, with all of her tools and equipment. `` Best of luck, sir.'' 
 
 `` Thank you.'' 
 
 After a few short minutes the doctor returned, with two other men. He urged them to push Edward's bed down the hall and into a separate room, where they will conduct the meeting. They did as they were told, and Edward found himself entering a smaller room, without windows or a view. It looked much more like an office. The doctor spoke to him as they entered. 
 
 `` Here, you will meet your exchange patient. Let us know when you are done speaking to them by ringing this bell, and we will return to the room immediately.'' 
 
 `` Thank you, doctor.'' 
 
 They wheeled him further into the room, where another person lay. Edward was in a lying position and could n't quite make out who it was, so he got up into a seated position. He looked at the person opposite him, and opened his eyes wide; even scratched them with his palm. 
 
 The boy looked at him for a moment, and then spoke. 
 
 `` Hi, father.'' Ben said to him.
