All Chapters of My Kidney Paid for My Brother's Freedom: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Steve buried his face in Mom's arms, playing the victim just as he had for the past three years.He was adopted by Mom and Dad, but once he settled into our home, he started claiming that his money and valuables kept going missing.Over time, Mom and Dad went from suspecting Aaron and me to openly despising us. We tried to explain ourselves, but it only destroyed whatever trust they had left.Sure enough, the moment Steve said those words, the hesitation on my parents' faces gave way to anger.Dad slapped me across the face."Even three years in the countryside couldn't straighten you two out!" he yelled. "What makes you think we'd let you come back home?"I'm telling you, Nathan. You and Aaron aren't coming back until you stop lying through your teeth! You manipulate people and will do anything to get what you want. How did I end up with kids like you?"Mom let out a disappointed sigh. "Your dad is right. Not only do you lie, but you're both jealous and spiteful. You can't even

Mom hesitated for a second before stepping aside to let me in.I was about to head up the stairs when Steve came running out of his bedroom, playing a game on the latest smartphone.The moment he saw me, he frowned instinctively. His eyes darted around before he leaned closer and lowered his voice."Nathan, are you back to ask for money? I gave you all my allowance last time. Six grand, remember? How did you blow through it so fast? Mom and Dad work hard for their money. You really need to be more considerate."Six grand? I hadn't seen a single cent.I shot him a blank look, too drained to play his games. I turned toward the stairs, but Mom called after me, clearly displeased. "Nathan."She sighed. "Your dad and I sent you and Aaron to the countryside so you'd learn to grow stronger through hardship. We wanted you to stop being spoiled and entitled. Why can't you understand that we were only trying to do what was best for you?"What was best for us… People always said parents sh

Dad roughly hauled me to my feet and pointed at Steve's battered face."Look at what you did to Steve's face! Were you trying to ruin him?" he roared. "Nathan, you're sick with jealousy! If you can beat your own brother like this, who's to say we're not next?"Hearing him call Steve my brother made something inside me snap. All the hurt, anger, and resentment I'd been holding back exploded at once.I ignored the wounds that had already split open and screamed at the top of my lungs, "He's not my brother! Aaron is my only brother, and he's already dead!"My voice echoed through the house, raw and hysterical. "What right do you have to lecture me? The three of you are murderers! You're all responsible for Aaron's death!"You're grown adults, yet you can't even tell right from wrong or see the truth! You don't deserve to be parents. I hate you!"A suffocating silence fell over the living room.Dad grabbed a mug from the table and hurled it to the floor, shattering it into pieces.

After learning that I had kidney failure, I felt strangely calm. Honestly, I'd been ready to leave this miserable life for a very long time.Mom tugged on Dad's sleeve, taking a few deep breaths to keep her anger in check."Don't push your luck, Nathan," she warned. "If you keep this up, we're disowning you! You won't see a single dime of our money, and everything goes to Steve. You can go your way, and we'll—""Okay," I cut in, nodding before she could even finish."Nathan!" Mom's voice broke, tears of frustration filling her eyes. "Can't you admit you were wrong? You're our son. We love you!"I let out a scornful laugh. "No, you don't."I looked her dead in the eye. "Aaron is dead. Why won't you believe me? Do I need to go dig up his body and bring it to you—"A hard slap cracked across my face, knocking me to the floor. My ears rang.It was the first time I'd ever seen Dad's eyes red with pure fury."Keep spouting nonsense like that, and I'll beat you senseless!" he bellowe

With a fake look of concern, he turned to Dad and supported him by the arm. "Dad, please calm down. You shouldn't get too worked up."I laughed and suddenly changed my mind. "Fine, I'll go home with you."The three of them froze. Mom and Dad looked relieved and hopeful, but Steve's eyes gleamed with malice.I pointed at him. "But I want him out of the house. Can you do that?"Steve panicked and immediately turned to my parents."I'm sad about what happened to Aaron too! I understand why Nathan is upset with me. If you really want me to leave, at least wait a while. You two aren't in good health. I want to stay and help you through this."As expected, they softened again.Mom grabbed Steve's hand, taking his side instantly. Dad looked torn for a second, but then he spoke firmly. "Steve has nothing to do with this. If you're angry, take it out on us. Don't drag him into it."I just smiled and nodded. It hit me then that I couldn't let Aaron die with all those false accusations ha