Chapter 1
My mom forced me to donate a kidney to my sister.
The surgery failed, and I died.
Three years later, Mom sat alone in a dark room and dialed my number.
Sobbing, she pleaded with the stranger who answered, “Grace, when are you coming home?
“I know I messed up. Can you forgive me?”
A man’s angry voice barked back. “I’ve told you countless times, I’m not your daughter! Leave me alone!”
He hung up.
Mom buried her face in her hands, crying my name over and
over.
The absurdity of it struck me.
Didn she forget I died three years ago?
My surgery was a failure, but Lucia’s was a success.
She received my kidney, and everyone rejoiced, even my boyfriend, Antonio Kaufman.
They hugged, cheering her recovery.
The doctor, looking uncomfortable, reminded my parents,
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“Lucia’s surgery was successful, but Grace didn’t survive. She’s gone.”
My dad’s response was chillingly Indifferent, “It’s not like she’s really gone.”
Mom ignored the doctor completely. “When can we see Lucia? She must be in pain.”
Antonio echoed the sentiment. “Let’s get Lucia some blueberry juice; it’s her favorite.”
Seeing their complete lack of concern for me, the doctor finally shouted, “Grace is dead! Do you understand?”
Dad, irritated, cut him off. “Look, I’m leaving this to you. She’s gone, end of story!”
The doctor sighed, took a deep breath, and walked away.
was w
Unclaimed, my body to the morgue.
Alone and forgotten.
Meanwhile, Lucia’s room buzzed with activity.
Antonio arrived with sweets and blueberry juice.
Mom fussed over the television, finding Lucia’s favorite show.
Dad hovered, asking about her pain.
Lucia, pale but beaming, basked in the attention.
I remained in the cold, forgotten.
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When Lucia felt better, she hugged my parents.
They turned to Antonio. “You owe Antonio a great deal, he’s been looking after you.”
Lucia blushed, glancing shyly at Antonio.
He gazed back tenderly. “I promised I’d always be there for you”
Lucia smiled brightly, taking Antonio’s hand, and he didn’t pull
away.
He seemed to have forgotten he had a girlfriend.
He smiled at my parents, his fingers intertwined with Lucia’s.
“I know I can always count on you. That’s why I love you,” Lucia exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. Then she withdrew her hand as if burned.
“I’m sorry, Antonio. I shouldn’t have kissed or slept with you.
“I know You’re Grace’s boyfriend. I just thought I was going to die.”
Antonio’s eyes softened with understanding. “I know. I feel the same way. Don’t blame yourself.”
My father, instead of being angry at Antonio’s betrayal, offered comfort to Lucia.
“I know Antonio has feelings for you. You did nothing wrong.”
Hearing this, I wanted to scream, “Then who was wrong? Me?”
But dead, I had no voice.
I glanced at my mother. She remained silent.
I wondered what she was thinking.
Probably how to convince me to give Antonio up for Lucia, just like everything else.
It had always been this way. Anything I cherished, Lucia wanted.
And anything she wanted, my parents demand that I give her.
My feelings, my ownership, meant nothing.
Snacks, toys, clothes, gifts… and now, my boyfriend.
Mom took Lucia’s hand. “Grace gave you her kidney, so let’s not fight over Antonio. I’ll find you someone even better.”
Tears streamed down Lucia’s face. “But he’s the only one I
want.”
She sobbed, “If I had to choose between Antonio and the kidney, I’d choose Antonio.”
Antonio, obviously touched, patted her head. “You don’t have to choose.”
Lucia threw herself into his arms. “Antonio, I really love you. Tell me how you feel.”
Antonio looked conflicted, pained.
I wanted to laugh.
Just a short while ago, he had held me close, promising, “Grace, I’ll always protect you. I won’t let Lucia hurt you again.”
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Now, his feelings for Lucia was undeniable.
