How Long Until My Time Runs Out?

When the doctor told me I had an inoperable brain tumor, I knew my life was counting down.

I was on a camping trip with my family and fiance, planning to tell them I'd agreed to donate a kidney to my sister. Since I was dying anyway, I figured I might as well give it away.

But before I could break the news, a sudden storm and mudslide struck, and my sister shoved me into a ravine.

Seven days later, when rescuers finally found me, I had only three days left to live.

"I agree to donate my kidney to Lily," I said at the hospital, handing over the signed organ donation agreement.

My parents stared at me in shock. Then, their expression lit up with excitement as they clutched my hand.

"Olivia, I always knew you weren't one to stand by when someone needs help. Don't worry. You have two kidneys, so donating one won't put your life at risk, though you might experience some weakness," Mom said. "Your father and I will divide the family assets equally between you and Lily. Even if you never work again, you'll live comfortably."

Mom sliced some fruit and poured me a glass of milk. I felt tears prick my eyes. It had been a long time since she'd cared for me like this.

"Thank you, Mom."

I took a sip of warm milk and forced a smile. "Mom, Dad, I want this surgery as soon as possible. Let's schedule it for the day after tomorrow."

I'd done the math. That was the day I'd die.

I'd end my life on the operating table.

"Olivia, you've really matured," my fiance Ethan Vance exclaimed, clutching my hand. He pulled a stunning diamond ring from his pocket. "This was meant for Lily's wedding—seven days from now. But since you're donating your kidney, there's no need for that wedding anymore. She won't need this ring. It's yours.

"Once you recover, we'll hold a wedding ceremony."

"No, give the ring to Lily," I said.

I was dying. There was no future wedding for me.

"Lily loves you. After the surgery, you should still hold a ceremony for her. It'll help her recover. We can talk about marriage when she's better."

Seeing how sensible I was, even my usually silent father sighed with relief.

"You've grown up, Olivia. You're acting like a true elder sister now—humble and considerate."

He paused before continuing, "We waited seven days to rescue you, hoping you'd reflect. Stop bullying Lily. She's younger and lost her family early. We need to give her more love and understanding, not to make her feel jealous or rejected."

Mom gently squeezed my hand, eyes red with emotion. "You've lost weight from not eating properly. I'll go home and cook something nutritious. You must regain strength for surgery."

After Mom and Dad left, Ethan was called away by the doctor to discuss the surgery schedule.

Lily Larson, who should have been in the ward nursing a broken bone, pushed open the door.

"Well, you survived a storm like that? Lucky girl!" she sneered. "I should've stabbed you instead of just pushing you."

Her lips curled with a sarcastic, mocking smile. Aside from her pale face, her agile movements betrayed no hint of end-stage kidney cancer or a broken bone.

"So you agreed to donate your kidney to me? Thanks! But I don't just want your kidney—I want your fiance too!"

"Take him," I replied calmly.

My arrogant, petty adopted sister, true to form, tried to provoke another fight between us. Then she'd feign weakness and innocence in front of Mom, Dad, and Ethan, manipulating them to dislike me and keep their distance. It was a classic move of hers.

When I didn't respond, she snorted.

"Good. You finally get it. No matter how hard you fight, they'll always choose me. Olivia, remember this—there's only one daughter in this family, and it's me."

Her second provocation didn't register. I simply looked at her, utterly drained. The relentless pain of cancer was consuming my body; I simply yearned for rest.

I wasn't afraid to die.

I just couldn't help but wonder if Mom, Dad, and Ethan would ever regret overlooking me if they truly understood that Lily Larson, their favored one, was actually a selfish, jealous schemer who framed innocent people, instead of the obedient, sensible girl they believed her to be.

After she left, I quietly turned off the voice recorder on my phone.

I collected all the recordings of Lily's taunts and insults, saving them as email drafts. These would be sent to Mom, Dad, and Ethan the moment I died.

By then, any chance they had to make amends for hurting me would be gone—too late to do anything but weep and regret at my funeral.