Chasing Sunlight

“It’s just a kidney donation. It won’t kill her. Let her donate one to Sophia, and we’ll call it even for Sophia saving her life.”

My oldest brother, Damon Blythe, spoke coldly from just outside the operating room.

I slowly opened my eyes to find my body lighter than ever.

Looking down, I was floating mid-air, looking down at myself on the operating table.

My body lay motionless on the operating table, eyes shut tight, blood soaking the sheets. There was a large incision across my waist.

Without meaning to, my spirit drifted out of the operating room.

Outside, my three brothers, who used to dote on me, were discussing me in disgust.

“If she hadn’t run off and gotten herself kidnapped by one of our family's enemies, Sophia wouldn’t have one kidney destroyed, and the other failing.” Matt Blythe, my second brother, said. His face bore no affection for me, only coldness.

“Exactly. Ava’s so selfish and impulsive. She knew her kidneys were the best match for Sophia, but she kept pretending to be sick just to avoid donating.”

My youngest brother, Chris Blythe, added.

I stared at them. Each word they said was like a needle stabbing straight into my heart.

I only had one kidney left! How could I possibly donate it to someone else?

Then, they used to call me their sensible little princess. Now, just because I wouldn’t give my last kidney, I’m unreasonable?

I was the one they spoiled like a princess my entire life!

However, ever since Sophia Foster came into the picture, I somehow have a “princess complex”.

“Alright, let’s hurry. Make sure the doctors get Ava’s kidney to Sophia. She’s still on the table waiting!” Damon ordered, carefully checking the sealed container that held my organ.

“Yeah, thanks for the reminder. Nothing matters more than Sophia’s health!”

“Sophia’s tough. Not like Ava, always dramatic, making us worry over nothing. She’s perfectly healthy but would act sick just to get attention. If she weren’t our little sister, I’d have stopped caring long ago.”

“Well said. If only Sophia were our real sister. Ava’s just so spoiled...”

Their voices faded as they walked down the hallway and out of the private hospital.

Tears slid silently down my cheeks, vanishing into thin air.

It had all started two days ago.

I’d been sitting alone on the porch in our backyard, enjoying the breeze. Out of nowhere, two strange men appeared, knocked me out, and dragged me away.

When I woke up, I saw my three brothers' furious faces before me.

“Why did you run off?” Damon scolded. “Do you know how much time and money we spent looking for you?”

“The worst part is that Sophia got hurt because of you. She took a knife meant for you!

“She lost a kidney saving your life. The least you can do is give her one of yours.”

I still had no clue what had happened, but panic began to rise in my chest. I pleaded with them.

“I’m not healthy enough to donate. Please, I’ll pay whatever it takes! I’ll find a matching donor for her, I swear. Let me repay her another way.”

Matt was furious at my excuse.

“You might not like Sophia and think she took our attention, but she saved your life. All we’re asking is for you to give her a kidney, and you’re refusing?”

Chris chimed in, too. “You have two kidneys. We’re just asking for one. Your match is perfect. Why are you being so selfish?”

I sobbed. “I can’t! I’ll die if I go through with the surgery!”

They stood there in silence.

That’s when Sophia, lying weakly on a hospital bed nearby, spoke up in a trembling voice.

“Don’t force her. It’s okay if Ava doesn’t want to do it. My life isn’t worth that much. She’s always been the one everyone cherished. I’m just a nobody. If I die, it’s fine.”

“What are you talking about?! You saved her life. No way we’re letting you die!”

They stared at me determinedly, despite all my begging, and dragged me into that operating room.