I feigned difficulty as I spoke:
"But I'm still on the highway right now, there's no way I can turn around. It'll take at least two hours to get there. Can't you start the surgery first?"
The doctor hadn't anticipated this situation and was momentarily stunned.
"That won't work. The hospital has its procedures. We absolutely can't do surgery without a family member's signature. Is there perhaps another relative of the patient nearby? His condition is very serious, we really can't wait any longer."
My voice took on a tearful tone, with a hint of trembling.
"What are we going to do? My husband is an orphan, he has no relatives at all! Please, I'm begging you, save him. Our child is only one year old!"
"I'm pleading with you, okay? Give me your account number, I'll transfer however much money you want. Just please, you have to save him! I'll turn around as soon as I get off the highway!"
My son, frightened by my panicked state, started crying loudly.