The Kidney He Gave, The Love She Denied

yes cornered me in the hallway, his fa

a. It's a noble thing." He patted my shoulder. "But this ta

l. I gave him a noncommittal smile. There was no point

relieved. He saw what he w

a came to my bedside. She was

te me," she said, not meeting

had poured all my foolish, teen

continued, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I

an order. She wanted me to erase my own history, my own f

. My hand was

," she said, then hesitated. "After this... we'll

s, we'll be nothing to each

n't need to. I remembered every stupid, hopeful word. With a flick of my wr

anding there, a strange look

s do

?" she asked, a flicker of

you'd at least want to lo

asked coolly. "Th

s on purpose, aren't you? Trying to

lastered on her face. "Anyway, I have some great news!

nd, showing off a

It was like watc

ons," I said,

ing my tone. "In fact, since you're my only brother, I want you

me, the man whose kidney was about to be cut out of his body for her,

kidney. She wanted to own me, to humiliate me, to

, my voice s

ing room, leaving her standing there,

l ache in my side and a profound sense of light

w a small "welcome home" party. It was a lie. It was

ll cooing over Olivia and Noah. I was a gh

picion. Whispers followed me around the room. I ha

lways been obse

epy, the way he

aint for putti

ed-out email. It was supposedly from a university administrator, rejecting my application for a study abroad program due

hat chilled me to the bone

he kitchen, laughin

to you?" I asked, ke

y. "Ethan, can't this

email on the b

talking about." She turned to Noah, who was conveniently

ybe the surgery... affected you." He lowered his voice, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

How dare you try to ruin our night, Ethan? I knew it! Y

g through the now-silent room. "He is the ma

memories. But this time, I w

tched his chest, a pained expressio

or the party, tripped on the rug nearby. Glasses flew through the air, shatt

nd red, dripping onto t

eding profusely. Noah, clutc

ng the glass, ignoring my injury. "Noah! Oh

rm, watching the woman who shared my b

eed, but got anyway. The final nai