Punished for a Lie, Freed by Death

It took me two hours to dig through the house and find a pack of ibuprofen that might or might not have been expired. I swallowed the pills with water, hoping they'd ease the pain that felt like it was drilling through my skull.I had just crawled back onto my small cot in the corner of the living room when my sister, Kayla Bennett, came home.She saw me lying there with my pale face and closed eyes, frowned, and strode over in a few quick steps. Grabbing a fistful of my hair, she dragged me bodily into the spare bedroom.The room had been turned into a memorial for our parents and Dylan Bennett, with their framed photos displayed on a small table. I'd knelt on the small rug in front of those photos thousands of times over the past eight years.Enduring the searing pain in my scalp, I numbly dropped to my knees. Only then did Kayla release her grip, her voice cold as ice."Today is the anniversary of Mom's, Dad's, and Dylan's deaths. I spent all day at their graves, and you dare t

Kayla stiffened, her expression softening. "I thought Dad would go back and cut you down. Whatever, let's not talk about that."You obviously know now that Mom and Dad aren't dead. All these years, we just wanted to teach you some sense so you would stop targeting Dylan."It's clear you still haven't learned your lesson, but you're still Mom and Dad's biological son and my real brother. Starting today, you can come live with us at the Bennett residence."Before I could respond, she quickly added, "But when you get back, you'll need to apologize to Dylan first. Promise him you'll never mention sending him away again."I refused flatly. "I won't try to make you send him away anymore, but apologizing? Not happening."Kayla's face darkened immediately. I thought she'd punish me like before, but seeing my pale complexion, she just gripped my wrist and dragged me to the luxury car waiting outside.The moment I was pulled into the Bennett residence, Dylan hid behind our parents, trembli

When I woke up again, I saw Kayla sitting beside the hospital bed with red marks still on her face. Noticing I was awake, she immediately leaned closer and gently touched my hair, speaking hoarsely."Nate, how are you feeling?"I looked at her for a while without answering her question. "Did you find out?"Kayla's hand paused, and it took her a long time to steady her breathing."Yes. Nate, don't be scared. No matter what it costs, I'm going to get you better."I shook my head. "Don't lie to make me feel better. If you're feeling guilty because you found out I'm sick, you don't need to."If you absolutely have to do something to make yourself feel better, then grant me that wish I mentioned last night."Kayla suddenly gripped my hand tightly, her face going pale. "No. I won't let you just walk away. Don't think you can't be saved and give up on treatment."We were wrong before. We shouldn't have lied to you for so long. But we're still your family. Even if… Even if we can't cur

Seeing the Bennetts again made me feel annoyed. I'd specifically forced myself to change transportation several times to get to this remote little town, all so I could spend my final moments alone in peace.But they just had to chase after me, acting like they actually cared about me. If they really cared, why would I have endured those eight years of being tortured by guilt and constantly punished by Kayla to atone for my sins?Watching Kayla pick up her phone to actually contact a medical team, I struggled to call out a single word, "Kayla."She immediately dropped her phone and leaned down. "I'm here. What do you want to tell me, Nate?"Slowly and with great difficulty, I managed to get out a sentence. "Your presence... only makes... my last moments hell."I watched with satisfaction as her face instantly went white. Unable to support herself, she collapsed to her knees and started desperately slapping herself."I truly am an animal! I shouldn't have said those things to you!