The Remorse That Cracked a Family
My younger twin sister, Emma Lawson, is everyone's favorite because she is sickly.
A snowstorm traps us on the mountain and the rescue helicopter arrives with room for only one more.
I have terminal cancer and am ready to let Emma take my place. Then she suddenly clutches her head and cries that she feels dizzy. My whole family rushes to her side and together they push her into the cabin.
My husband, Leon Ziegler, touches my fractured arm and says, "Sarah, you'll have to wait for the next helicopter."
My daughter, Daria Ziegler, even throws a snowball at me. "Aunt Emma is sicker than you. Stop trying to take her spot."
Only when the helicopter takes off do I see Emma pressed against the window, smugly sticking her tongue out. She has been lying the whole time.
When I am finally rescued, the doctors tell me I have three days left to live. I decide to trade everything I own for a small piece of my family's affection.