Chapter 3

I never gave up looking for Aaron, not even for a single day.

Even with my body wrecked from the surgery, I pushed through the pain, working odd jobs to pay back the neighbors who had helped us while searching everywhere for him.

But now...

I walked into the hospital room and finally saw Aaron lying in the bed. He was covered in bruises, his skin stretched tight over his bones. My entire world shattered.

"Aaron?" My voice broke. "Aaron, what... what happened to you?"

His eyes were only half-open. He tried to lift his arm to touch me, but he was too weak to do so.

Shaking violently, I took his hand and pressed it against my face. I was choking back tears and could barely speak.

"A-Aaron, don't be scared. Save your strength and hang on, okay? I'll get the doctors to save you. I've made some money. I can pay for it. Yeah, let me get a doctor!"

I stumbled toward the door, but then I heard Aaron call out weakly. "Nathan…"

My steps faltered. I covered my face and broke down crying. Officer Smith stood beside me and tried to comfort me.

A tear rolled down Aaron's cheek as he whispered, "Don't… go, Nathan. Stay with me."

I wiped away my tears, bit my lip, and sat down beside him. Just like I used to when he was little, I gently brushed the hair from his forehead. "Don't be scared, Aaron."

He was slipping away, barely able to speak. I leaned down, pressing my ear close to his mouth so I could hear him.

"Nathan… I'm sorry…" he breathed. "I don't think I can go home with you…"

Then his breathing stopped.

Tears streamed down my face as I collapsed onto Aaron's body, sobbing uncontrollably.

He was only ten years old. He should have been safe at home, being spoiled and loved. How had he ended up on a cold hospital bed, never to open his eyes again?

And our wealthy parents, who were supposed to protect us, were the ones most responsible for his death. If it weren't for them, Aaron wouldn't have died.

My poor brother. A home like that wasn't worth going back to.

Taking pity on me, Officer Smith helped arrange for Aaron to be taken to the funeral home for cremation.

"We found your brother in a remote, isolated town," he told me gently. "He… suffered horrific abuse. We've arrested the man who bought him, but the traffickers are still on the run. We'll notify you as soon as we have any updates. I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Thank you," I numbly muttered.

When I stepped out of the funeral home, the biting winter wind cut through me like a blade, making me shiver.

That was when it hit me. When I saw Aaron in that hospital room, he was wearing nothing but a thin shirt stained with blood.

I had failed as an older brother. I couldn't even make sure he was fed and warm before he left this world.

I buried his ashes beneath a tree, crying until I had no tears left.

"You suffered so much, Aaron," I whispered to the quiet earth. "Are you cold? Let me go home and get your favorite jacket for you, okay? I won't let you freeze out here and suffer anymore."

…

I dragged myself back to my parents' mansion. But when I pressed my thumb to the scanner, a harsh beep sounded—access denied. It felt like a slap in the face.

I stood there looking utterly broken, completely out of place in the wealthy neighborhood.

After a long while, Mom finally came to the door. She froze when she saw my hollow, disheveled appearance. "Nathan, what happened to you?"

My face was so numb I couldn't manage any expression. "Can I just go inside and get a few things?" I asked, my voice dry and raspy. "I'll leave as soon as I get them."

Aaron was gone. I had no reason to ever return to this family.