Heart

"Heart" by Henry Slesar is a science fiction story that follows Fletcher Monk, a rich businessman whose failing heart makes him desperate to outsmart death. When his doctor tells him he's in trouble, Monk refuses to accept his fate and obsessively tries to use his wealth to buy a solution. Believing that Mars' lower gravity can save him, Monk embarks on a journey, trying to purchase his health and escape his problems. But on Mars, he discovers that survival depends on teamwork and hard work, not money. Even though he initially feels better, Monk's inability to change his old ways and connect with others leads to his downfall, suggesting that his real problem was a deeper emotional emptiness.