: 3

3

My condition deteriorated, and I was admitted to the ICU again.

While I was unconscious, I could see the terror in Mother's eyes and Little Sister's tear-streaked face.

I opened my mouth, wanting to tell them not to cry.

But I couldn't get the words out.

I don't know how much time passed before I woke up again. I saw a slap mark on Little Sister's face and stroked it, my heart aching.

I raised my hand and slapped myself across the face.

The act startled Mother and Little Sister. It didn't actually hurt much. In my weakened state, I didn't have the strength to hit hard.

I smiled gently at Mother. "Mother, if you hurt Little Sister again, then whatever you do to her, I'll do to myself. I know you dote on me the most, and I can't bring myself to resent you, so I'll just have to be the one to suffer instead."

Mother hugged me, sobbing as she let out all her pent-up anguish.

I patted Mother's back.

"Mother, Little Sister is your daughter too. I'm so glad you gave me a little sister. I hope you'll treat her well."

Tears streamed down Little Sister's face as she looked at me, her lips silently forming the word "Sister."

I gave her a reassuring smile.

'I hope my smile wasn't too ugly.'

: The Plan

4

To avoid upsetting me, Mother's attitude toward my little sister had improved quite a bit recently. At least she wasn't lashing out at her anymore.

I was happy. I hoped my little sister could have a happy life after I was gone.

But I was getting ahead of myself. When I was finally strong enough to take a walk outside, I overheard some patients discussing a mother who was forcing her younger daughter to get tested as a bone marrow match for her older sister. They said she had already scheduled the procedure for the day of the College Admissions Exams.

"The day of the College Admissions Exams? Wouldn't that ruin the younger daughter's future? How could a mother be so cruel!"

"Exactly!"

A wave of panic washed over me, and I hurried back toward my room. I walked so quickly that I was gasping for breath.

I looked up to meet Mother's anxious gaze. "Ellie, where have you been? You were all alone! What if something had happened? You should have had Bonnie Sterling with you. What's the use of her going to school, anyway?"

I caught my breath and took a sip of water.

"Mother, my little sister is a great student. School is obviously useful. If my health wasn't so bad, I'd want to be in school too, making good friends."

A flustered look crossed Mother's face. "Let's not talk about that. Ellie, how are you feeling today?"

"I'm doing great today. I even took a walk in the garden by myself. Oh, and Mother, I heard a funny story from some of the other adults here. They said there was a mother who wanted her younger daughter to be a donor match for the older one, so she stopped the younger girl from taking her College Admissions Exams. She even scheduled the procedure for that very day. The College Admissions Exams are so important… don't you think, Mother?"

Mother's face went pale, and she guiltily stammered in agreement.