You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone

Mira, the doctor said gently, yet there was no hiding the weight behind his voice. The bone marrow therapy has stopped responding. The transfusions are only delaying the inevitable. Without a transplantand soonyour body wont be able to hold on.

I nodded as if I understood, though my thoughts had already drifted somewhere far away. My hands shook as I reached for my phone. I dialed Ethans number.

My husband.

The man Id spent five years of my life loving.

The call rang. Once. Twice. Then again.

No answer.

I tried again. Still nothing.

A third timestraight to voicemail.

The ache in my chest deepened, sharp and suffocating. I stared at my screen, waiting, hoping hed call back. Instead, my phone vibrated.

An Instagram notification.

I opened it without thinking.

A photo filled my screen. Lioramy cousin. Freshly returned from overseas, always talking about her big dreams, her future in fashion, how she was finally living the life she wanted. In the photo, she was glowing. Smiling brightly. Her fingers were intertwined with a mans hand.

The watch on his wrist caught the light.

I didnt need to look twice.

I knew that watch. I had clasped it around his wrist myself.

Ethans.

The caption felt like fire against my skin.

The person Ive loved quietly for so long is finally mine. Even if this is only a dream, I pray it never ends.

My thumb slipped.

I hit like.

Less than a minute later, my phone started ringing nonstop. His name flashed across the screen again and again.

I answered.

Miradont hang up, Ethan said quickly, his voice tight, almost panicked. Please. I know what you saw. Just give me a chance to explain.

I said nothing.

He rushed to fill the silence. This isnt what it looks like. Liora told me shes willing to be your donor. She really is. But she set a condition. He inhaled sharply. She said shed only do it if I agreed to be with her. Just for a month. One month, Mira. I didnt have a choice. I did this for you. Everything I didI did it because I love you.

My throat burned. Ethan are you telling me the truth? Or is this just the version you want me to believe?

It is the truth! he snapped, then immediately softened his tone. Mira, youre my whole world. You know that. Ive said it a thousand times. I cant lose you. If something happens to you, I wont survive it.

Then why, I asked quietly, does it feel like you didnt hesitate at all when she asked?

Silence answered me. All I could hear was his breathing.

Memories came rushing in, uninvited.

The boy who once drove across the city in the middle of the night because I mentioned craving dumplings and couldnt sleep through the pain.

The boy who surprised me with shoes Id casually admired months earlier.

The boy who knelt beneath glowing lanterns on my twenty-second birthday, holding out a ring with shaking hands and saying, Marry me after you graduate. I want a lifetime with you, Mira.

I had believed him.

Everyone had.

Ethan Marlowealoof, distant, untouchable to everyone else. But with me, he had been gentle. Warm. Mine.

When I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia six months ago, he squeezed my hand so tightly it hurt. Tears filled his eyes as he said, If you leave this world, Im coming with you. Dont give up on me. Dont give up on us.

He searched endlessly for a donor. He called hospitals, pleaded with strangers, volunteered his own blood even when it wasnt enough. Once, I saw a document on his deskhis will. He was ready to give everything away.

He even paid Liora. I saw the proof myself.

Four hundred million dollars.

Funding for her dreams, in exchange for her bone marrow.

But that wasnt all she wanted.

For the fourth time in half a year, Liora delayed the procedure again. Every time, there was a new reason. And every time, Ethan stayed beside heras if she were the one lying in a hospital bed, fading.

The first time, she fainted and claimed her blood sugar had dropped. Ethan stayed in the hospital with her for three nights straight.

The second time, she said her anxiety was overwhelming, that she couldnt sleep. Ethan attended therapy sessions with her, holding her hand until dawn.

The third time, she developed a sudden fever. Ethan left my bedsideright after I collapsed during treatmentto care for her instead.

And now, she had raised the stakes.

She told him shed only donate if he agreed to be her boyfriend for one month.

I lay on the hospital bed, gripping the blanket as my hands trembled. When I spoke, my voice was quiet, but it cut deep.

Ethan give her more money. I dont care how much. Pay her whatever she wants. Just dont do this. Dont be with her. Please.

The line went still. I could hear him breathing, but he didnt answer.

After a long moment, he spoke softly. Mira we already owe her so much. I dont want to pressure her. Shes helping you. We should be thankful.

I clenched the blanket harder, rage pounding in my chest with nowhere to go.

Owe her? I whispered. For the money? Or is there something else you owe her?

Before he could respond, another voice slipped into the callsweet, delicate, false.

Ethan, Liora said lightly, I burned my hand. It hurts. Come here.

His tone changed instantly. Concern replaced everything else.

Mira, Ill call you back later, okay? Liora needs me.

The call ended.

I stared at my phone until the screen dimmed and went black. My chest felt empty, as though something vital had finally collapsed inside me.

I turned toward my doctor.

If I dont get the transplant how much time do I have?

He sighed, sympathy heavy in his eyes. At most, one month. Youre weakening quickly. If the transplant happens before then, theres still hope. Otherwise

I understand, I whispered, stopping him. Then I wont be getting it.

I knew Liora too well. She was never going to save me. She would keep postponing, keep finding reasonsjust to keep Ethan tied to her.

And I was done waiting.

That evening, I returned home. The sky glowed in shades of gold and orange, so peaceful it almost felt like a farewell. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if this was mercyone last gentle gift before the end.

Then I opened the door.

And everything shattered.

Ethan was sitting on the couch when I stepped inside. Liora was tucked comfortably against him, close enough that their shoulders touched. She was holding a fork, lifting pieces of fruit to his mouth as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her laughter was light, victoriouslike someone who had already claimed her prize.

Mira! Ethan sprang to his feet the moment he saw me, relief flashing across his face as though hed been waiting all along. He rushed over and pressed a small box into my hands. I bought this for you. If you accept it it means youre agreeing to everything. Youll let me stay with Liora for a bit so she can help with the transplant. Please. Just say yes.

I looked at the box but made no move to take it. My fingers curled at my sides. My lips shook, yet when I spoke, my voice sounded eerily calm.

You dont have to give me anything, I said. Ill agree even without a gift.

His eyes widened, disbelief washing over his face. You youre serious?

Yes, I answered softly, each syllable cracking something open inside my chest.

Liora immediately rose from the couch and linked her arm through mine, pressing close as if we were inseparable. Her smile was dazzlingtoo dazzling.

Then well all get along, right, cousin? she said sweetly. No resentment, no drama. Ethans just helping me live my dream. He promised me this month, and after that, youll be fine.

I gently but firmly slid my arm out of hers. I wont resent you.

Ethan visibly relaxed. He hurried into the kitchen and returned moments later carrying a bowl of steaming soup. His expression was proud, almost eager, as he held it out to me.

I cooked this for you myself, he said. Its good for improving your blood. Please, eat a little.

The scent was rich and comforting. For a brief moment, I wanted to trust him. I lifted the spoon and took a single sip.

Pain exploded in my throat.

No I choked, clutching at my chest as a burning sensation spread. My skin went clammy, my vision swimming. Shrimp? Ethan you put shrimp in this? Im allergic. How could you forget? I told you

He froze, horror flooding his face. II thought it was peanuts! I swear, I thought that was what you couldnt eat!

Liora spoke up gently from behind him, her voice smooth and precise. No, Ethan, youre mistaken. Im the one allergic to peanuts. You rememberI mentioned it just last week.

Dark spots swam before my eyes as the pain sharpened, slicing deeper into my chest. He remembered her allergies. He remembered everything about her.

Just not me.

The last sound I registered before everything faded was Ethan screaming my name in terror.

When I regained consciousness, I was back in bed. Ethan sat beside me, his eyes bloodshot, his face drawn. He clutched my hand tightly, as though afraid Id vanish if he let go.

Mira, Im sorry, he said hoarsely. This was my fault. A stupid mistake. Please forgive me. I canceled everything else. For the next few days, its just us. I promise youIll never let something like this happen again. Never.

I turned my face away from him. My voice was quiet, steady, and empty.

You dont need to say sorry, I murmured. You already chose Liora. Just remember what she likes now. Take care of her properly. And Ethan after this, stay away from me. Completely.

Confusion flashed across his face. What are you talking about? Whats between me and Liora isnt real. Its temporary. Just one month. Im only playing a role so shell agree to save you. Dont twist this into something else. Youre my wife. Youre the one I love.

He reached for my face, but I turned away and pulled the quilt up to my chin.

Im exhausted, I whispered. I need to sleep.

His hand hovered awkwardly in the air before dropping back to his side. He exhaled slowly. Alright. Rest.

The door clicked shut behind him. The sound was heavier than any argument. Once I knew he was gone, I opened my eyes. Tears slid silently down my temple, soaking into the pillow beneath my cheek.

I didnt have much time left.

The disease was winning.

With trembling effort, I forced myself out of bed and pulled an old box from the far corner of the closet. Dust coated its surface. Inside were the fragments of a life we once sharedmovie stubs from our first date, a cheap bracelet he bought me at a night market, faded Polaroids from trips where he always held me close and I always smiled like the future was guaranteed.

My chest tightened painfully. I stayed up through the night, sorting through everything, touching each item as though memorizing its weight. As dawn broke, I carried the box outside. I lit a small brazier in the backyard.

One by one, I fed our memories to the flames.

The fire was still burning when a sharp voice pierced the air.

What do you think youre doing?!

Before I could react, Liora rushed toward me and shoved me hard. The brazier tipped over, scattering glowing embers. Several struck my arm. Pain tore through my skin, and I cried out.

Liora I staggered back, clutching my arm.

She advanced on me, eyes wild. If you dont want me living here, just say it! Why would you destroy my things like this?

Her tone was wounded, but her eyes gleamed with triumph.

The commotion drew Ethan outside. He ran straight to her, immediately pulling her behind him, shielding her with his body. What happened? Are you hurt?

Liora grabbed onto his shirt, tears forming instantly. Ethan, Mira hates me so much she started burning my belongings! She doesnt want me here at all!

He turned to me. For the first time in weeks, his gaze fully settled on my face. But there was no warmth in itonly disapproval.

Mira, he said heavily, how could you do this? After everything Liora has done for you after she agreed to help with your treatment is this how you repay her?

My chest constricted. I bent down and retrieved a blackened scrap from the ashes. My hands shook as I held it up.

Look carefully, I said, my voice trembling. These arent her things. Theyre mine. Ours.

The fragment was from a photo taken last winterEthan wrapping his scarf around me, my cheeks flushed from the cold, my eyes bright with happiness.

He went completely still. Why why would you burn these?

Because theyve gone bad, I replied, tears blurring my sight. I dropped the photo back into the fire. I dont want them anymore.

No! he exclaimed. These belong to us. You said wed look at them together when we were old. Why would you throw that away?

I smiled weakly. Dont you understand, Ethan? Im dy

Ethan my hand, Liora interrupted softly. I think it got burned when the brazier fell.

His attention snapped to her instantly. He released me without hesitation and took her hand instead. Lets go inside. Ill treat it.

With his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders, he led her back into the house.

He never looked back.

I remained standing there alone, shaking, watching the last of the flames die down.

My arms burned where the embers had struck, the pain sharp and persistentbut I barely cared. I returned to my bedroom, pulled the first-aid kit from the drawer, soaked cotton with alcohol, and pressed it against the raw skin. The sting hit hard, stealing the air from my lungs.

Still it wasnt anywhere near as painful as watching the man I loved erase me, little by little.

There was a time when Ethan hovered over me like I was fragile glass. Even the smallest cut sent him into a panic. Hed grab my hand, drag me off to the infirmary, his face pale as if he were the one bleeding out. I used to tease him for being ridiculous, but deep down, I cherished it. He made me feel treasured. Chosen.

Now he didnt even see the burns on my arm.

He didnt ask.

Didnt pause.

He simply walked awayLiora tucked safely at his side.

That night, I finally let myself break. The tears Id been holding back slipped free, trailing down my cheeks and dripping onto my injured skin. The sting was immediate and vicious. I bit down hard on my lip to keep from crying out. But even that sharp pain couldnt compare to the dull, crushing ache spreading through my chest.

---

The following two days made one thing painfully clear: I had already fallen out of Ethans world.

Liora stayed glued to him, clinging as though afraid he might disappear if she let go. She followed him everywhere.

At the dining table, she leaned toward him with a pout, nudging his arm playfully. Ethan, can you feed me the shrimp? Please? It tastes better when you do it.

I sat across from them in silence, pushing food around my plate, while Ethan actually lifted the shrimp and brought it to her lips. She smiled, pleased, leaning into his shouldercompletely unbothered by my presence.

Later, while a movie played softly in the background, she curled up against his chest on the couch. Hold me tighter, she murmured. The loud scenes scare me.

Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

Every time I passed by, Liora would tilt her head and smile at mesweet, sugary, sharp. Mira, you promised, didnt you? You said you wouldnt mind if we acted close like this.

Each time, I answered the same way. A small smile. A gentle tone.

Of course not.

Eventually, I wasnt sure whether I was lying to heror to myself.

What I couldnt deny was that my body was failing faster than I wanted to admit.

Liora was meant to be my donor. My cousin. My blood. The only person who could save me. Yet she treated it like a bargaining chip, dangling my survival just out of reach, enjoying the control.

---

That evening, I stood in front of the mirror and barely recognized the girl staring back. Pale. Thin. Unsteady. I realized I might soon lose the strength to even stand.

That was when I decided.

Before my body completely gave up, I wanted one final photograph.

A picture for my funeral.

So even if Ethan forgot my face someday, he would still see me once moresmiling, breathing, alive.

At the photo studio, the photographer smiled kindly. You have such delicate features, miss. Is this picture for an ID? Or a graduation photo?

I looked straight into the lens. My voice was calm, detached. Its for my funeral.

His hands trembled so badly I thought the camera might slip. He didnt ask anything else. I stayed still, endured the flash, and told myself this would be the image placed beside my coffin.

While waiting for the print, laughter drifted in from the entrance.

I froze.

I knew that soundEthans low chuckle, threaded with Lioras bright giggle.

I turned and saw them walking in together, arms linked, looking every bit like a couple out on a casual date. Liora noticed me and widened her eyes. Mira? What are you doing here?

I slipped the photo into my pocket. Just needed one for my ID, I replied evenly. What about you?

She leaned her head against Ethans shoulder, soft and affectionate. Couples should have albums, dont you think? We took photos a few days ago. Were here to pick them up.

Ethan glanced at me quickly. She really wanted it. I just went along with it. Once you recover, we can do one too.

I nodded, saying nothing, my chest tightening.

The staff called them over to view their pictures. I tried to step away, but Liora caught my wrist. Mira, help us choose. You have better taste.

Before I could refuse, she pulled me over.

The screen lit up.

Photo after photo of them togetherhands entwined, smiles effortless. In one image, they kissed under a glowing sunset. In another, Ethan wrapped his arms around her from behind, both dressed in white, looking perfectly matched.

Each image pierced me.

Lioras voice rang beside me, bright and cutting. Which one do you think makes us look happiest?

I opened my mouth

And then chaos erupted.

A loud crash echoed through the studio as shelves toppled over.

Ethan reacted instantly, throwing himself over Liora, shielding her completely.

I wasnt so lucky.

The sharp edge of a metal shelf slammed into my shoulder. Pain exploded through me as fabric tore and warm blood spilled down my arm.

Ethan, it hurts! Liora cried, clutching her arm where there was barely a mark.

He panicked immediately. Youre bleeding. We need to go to the hospital. He scooped her into his arms and rushed for the exit.

He paused once.

Turned back.

His eyes met mineme pinned beneath the shelf, blood pooling as I struggled to pull myself free. Our gazes locked for a second maybe two.

Then he looked away.

And left.

I dragged myself upright, shaking, and made my way to the hospital alone.

As the doctor stitched my wound, he frowned. Why didnt someone bring you here? You lost a lot of blood. This couldve been dangerous.

I clenched my teeth as the needle pierced my skin. There was no one to bring me.

He hesitated. Thats odd. A young woman came in earlier with a small scrape. Her boyfriend was franticdemanded extra tests.

A bitter laugh escaped me. That man was my boyfriend too.

The doctor froze. He didnt ask anything else. He finished in silence.

Late that night, as I struggled to change my bandage alone, the door finally opened.

Ethan stepped insideand stopped short.

His eyes widened when he saw the wound. Mira what happened to you? His voice broke as he rushed toward me.

I didnt lift my head. I bumped into the shelf. Thats all.

His hand froze midair, fingers trembling like he wanted to touch me but didnt dare. Everything happened so fast, he said hoarsely. Liora was sobbing. People were shouting. I thought she was seriously injured. I panicked, Mira. I never meant to walk away from you.

I curved my lips into something that barely counted as a smile. You didnt do anything wrong. She needed someone. You went to her.

No. He caught my hand suddenly, holding it as if he was afraid I might disappear if he loosened his grip. His palm was warm, his hold tight, almost frantic. Listen to me. Youve got it all twisted. Im only being careful with her because shes the donor match. Thats it. Youre the one I care about. Youve always been the one. Dont shut me out like this.

My eyes stung, heat gathering behind them. I know, I whispered. Thats why I never blamed you.

The tension drained from his face like water spilling from a cracked cup. He leaned closer, focusing on the cut as he cleaned it, wrapping fresh gauze around my arm with careful, practiced movements. You should lie down. Ill stay. I wont go anywhere tonight.

For a brief second, as his fingers worked gently and his presence filled the room, I almost let myself believe wed slipped backward in timeto when he hovered over me, to when leaving wasnt even an option for him.

Then his phone rang.

Ethan Lioras voice came through the speaker, thick with tears. I dont see you anywhere. Im scared. I dont want to be alone

Guilt twisted across his features. Im coming. Right now.

He ended the call and turned toward me, conflict written all over his face. Shes by herself. Shes really shaken. Ill just go check on her. Once she falls asleep, Ill come straight back. I promise.

And then he was gonemoving so quickly it felt like he carried the last trace of warmth out of the room with him.

I folded in on myself on the bed, knees drawn tight to my chest, breathing shallow and uneven. The ache wasnt just in my body. It spread deeper than that. Ethan didnt come back that night. Or the next. Two days passed. At first, I kept glancing at the door, listening for footsteps that never arrived. Eventually, I stopped waiting. I took my medication on schedule. I replaced the dressing on my arm when it soaked through. I learned how to recover quietly, tucked away in my own corner of the world.

That afternoon, I sat near the window with a book resting unopened on my legs. Sunlight poured in, soft and golden, but my eyes couldnt bear it for long. My phone vibrated on the table. When I answered, her voice flowed out smoothly.

Hey, Mira. Want to hear something interesting? Liora sounded delighted, that sugary tone of hers making my stomach tighten. She was enjoying this. Did you know Ethan almost died for me?

My fingers stiffened. What are you talking about?

She laughed, light and pleased with herself. I casually mentioned that necklace they award to the winner of the motorcycle stunt competition. He signed up instantly. No hesitation at all. You shouldve seen himhe was flying down the track like he didnt care if he lived or died. The bike nearly flipped. When they rushed him into emergency, guess what he yelled? Her voice quivered with excitement. He called my name. Not yours. Mine.

The book slid shut in my lap. I turned toward the window, staring at the harsh brightness outside, refusing to let her hear my voice crack. So he got himself hurt just to make you happy, I said quietly.

Mhm, she breathed, dragging the sound out. He needs someone to look after him now. I thought maybe youd want to come?

I exhaled slowly, my chest loosening in a strange, empty way. No, Liora. Hes your choice, isnt he? He risked himself for you. So you should be the one by his side.

She didnt answer right away. The pause was too long, too telling. Before she could speak again, I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the couch like it had burned me.

Outside, the trees swayed gently, leaves brushing against one another with a soft whisper. I watched them until my vision blurred. Then I picked my phone up again.

My fingers moved on their own, dialing a number Id memorized long ago.

Hello? a man answered.

Yes, I said evenly. Im calling about the double burial plotSection B, Lot Twelve. I wanted to ask

The door slammed open so violently I flinched, nearly dropping the phone.

Mira!

I looked upand my breath stopped.

Ethan stood in the doorway, deathly pale in a striped hospital gown. Thick bandages wrapped his chest, already darkening with blood that spread wider every time he inhaled. His lips were drained of color, but his eyes burned fiercely, almost wild.

The phone slipped from my hand and clattered to the floor. Ethan, what are you doing here? You should still be admitted!

He staggered forward, gripping the doorframe to stay upright. Why? he demanded, voice shaking. Why were you asking about a grave?

I forced my mouth into a smile, even as my heart skipped painfully. You misunderstood. Mrs. Hans dog died last night. She didnt know who else to ask for help. Thats all. Really. I sounded so calm that I nearly convinced myself.

His shoulders drooped, but pain twisted his expression. He leaned heavily against the wall. Motorcycle accident, he muttered.

I rushed to his side, steadying him. Dont say another word. Were going back to the hospital right now.

In the car, his head rested against the seat, lashes fluttering like a child whod exhausted himself fighting sleep. I watched him quietly, memorizing the lines of his face, the familiar curve of his lips. My voice shook so faintly it felt like the wind carried it away. This is the last time Ill worry about you, Ethan. After today Ill already be gone.

At the hospital, I handled everythingsigned forms, adjusted his blanket, stayed until his breathing evened out and he slipped into sleep. Then I stepped into the hallway and made a call.

Liora, I said calmly. Can you come by in the morning? I need to take care of something important.

She laughed softly, music and chatter echoing behind her. Im out right now. Ill come tomorrow, okay? Dont sound so dramatic.

Morning arrived.

Liora walked in carrying an expensive handbag, hair flawless, makeup immaculate. She looked like she was attending a fashion event, not visiting a hospital.

I smiled faintly. You came.

She tilted her head, smirking. Of course. I wanted to see you. But lets stop pretending, Mira. Im never giving you my bone marrow. Why would I? I only want Ethan. Honestly, Id rather you disappear. Her voice rang loud enough to draw glances from the nurses.

I know, I replied gently. You want me dead. Then take him. Look after him yourself.

Something in my calmness snapped her restraint. She seized my arm, nails digging deep into my skin. Dont act innocent, she hissed. Youre trying to make me feel guilty.

She shook me hard. Pain shot through me, but I clenched my teeth and stayed silent.

The commotion woke Ethan.

Liora released me instantly, slapped her own face, and collapsed into sobs. Ethan! Mira hit me! she cried. Shes jealous of me. She demanded my bone marrow while you were asleep. She tried to force me into surgery. When I refused, she slapped me! She covered her face, sobbing violently, her shoulders shaking as the room filled with her cries.

My eyes went wide. Thats not true! Ethan, you have to listenshe

Enough! Ethan roared, yanking the IV from his arm as if it were nothing and storming toward me. His face was ghostly pale, fury written in every line. His grip on my arm was so tight it burned, and before I could react, his hand came down sharply across my cheek. I stumbled, hit the floor hard, and warm blood flowed freely from my nose.

His voice cracked, raw and full of emotion, as he yelled, Is this really who youve become, Mira? Forcing Liora like that? You couldnt wait? Why are you like this? Youre not the girl I loved youve changed. Ughugly.

Behind him, Liora pressed her hands to her mouth, sobbing like a broken little angel. But I noticed the twitch of her lipsthe corner curling into a smile beneath the tears.

I pressed my sleeve to my nose, letting the blood soak through, and didnt respond. There was nothing left to argue. Slowly, painfully, I got to my feet. My knees were weak, my body trembling, but I walked out anyway.

At the doorway, I heard his voice shift, soft, warmthe tone I hadnt heard in months. Liora dont cry. Im here. Ill protect you. And as for Mira Ill make sure she pays when Im discharged.

I let a bitter smile creep across my lips and wiped my tears away with the back of my hand.

By the time I got home, my face still stung, my nose wet, my body heavy with exhaustion, I just collapsed onto the couch. Everything ached. I wrapped my hand in a towel and tried to steady my breathing. I was barely holding myself together when the doorbell rang.

My heart jumped. Who could it possibly be now? I stumbled to the door, opened itand froze. My mother. The woman who had vanished from my life when I was a baby, standing there like she owned the world. She looked smaller than I remembered, shrunk by time, worn down at the edgesbut the moment she saw me, she dropped her bag and ran, grabbing me so fast I almost fell over.

She held me like shed been waiting her whole life for this hug, tears streaming down her face. Oh my God my baby my Mira I found you. She whispered it like a prayer. My knees buckled under the weight of her arms, and I sank onto the couch, every detail of the world blurring for a moment.

But then her face changedterror replacing joy. What what happened? Why are you bleeding? Her voice shook.

I pressed the towel to my nose, my voice barely a whisper. I have aplastic anemia I need a bone marrow donor. I My words broke in my throat, and I coughed before finishing.

Paleness swept over her face. She grasped both my hands tightly as if holding onto me would stop the world from spinning. Ill give you mine, she said urgently, almost pleading. But you have to come with mecome to Europe, live with me and your brothers. Please, Mira. Say youll come.

I stared at her, chest tightening, words heavy on my tongue. You left me, I said softly, but each word was steady. You left me with Grandma. You vanished. How am I supposed to just pack up and trust you now?

Her head dropped, the sound she made so full of remorse it stabbed straight through me. I worked abroad to send money home, she explained, voice trembling. Then I had an accident lost my memory started over by mistake. I only remembered last year. Ive spent months trying to find you. Im so sorry it took this long. I never stopped being your mother, Mira. Never.

I wanted to believe her, wanted to feel that relief and bolt into her arms, but my chest felt hollow, betrayal still sticky and raw. I whispered, I need to think. I just met you today. I cant decide yet.

She nodded, as if she expected nothing else, and leaned down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. Call me when youre ready, she said softly, leaving a trembling smile and a number behind before stepping away.

I barely lowered my head when the back gate exploded with noise. Five men stormed in without a single knock. They seized me, threw a blanket over my shoulders, and dragged me into the yard like I was nothing but a sack. I screamed, tried to fight, but my limbs were weak, the rain soaked me through, and the world turned loud and humiliating.

One of them leaned close, voice spitting out like venom. Boss says you sleep outside tonight. Punishment for hurting Miss Liora.

I pounded on the door, tears mixing with rain. Please! Im sick! I need my medication! I begged. They shoved me harder. One of them laughed as water ran down my face and soaked my clothes.

My phone rang, trembling in my numb fingers. Ethan. I fumbled it open, barely able to speak, and his voice came flat, detached, like a judge delivering a verdict. Mira listen. Your transplant was scheduled for tomorrow. But after what you did to Liora she cant. Shes too upset, too traumatized. She wont stop crying. Think about that, Mira. The line clicked dead.

Rain mixed with my tears. I curled into myself on the cold, wet grass, clutching the phone like it was the only thing keeping me alive. My fingers moved clumsily over the screen as I dialed the number my mother had left.

After a long, wet pause, her sleepy voice answered. Hello?

Mom I whispered into the storm, teeth chattering, voice shaking. Please come. Ill go with you. Ill go to Europe, anywhere with you. Please get me out of here.