Seven Times They Chose Him. The Last Time, They Lost Me Chapter 03

Seven Times They Chose Him. The Last Time, They Lost Me Chapter 03

The next day I was discharged. Nurse Amy took me home.

As soon as I walked in, Connor was sitting on the couch, laughing with Grandpa and Grandma.

Biscuit was in his arms. A braided charm hung around his neck.

It was the handmade charm Mom had made for my third birthday. She stayed up all night braiding it, even weaving a tiny strand of my baby hair inside as a keepsake.

Connor wasn’t here yet back then.

While she braided it, she told me it would keep me safe. That her Leo would grow up big and strong.

After Connor showed up, Mom never made me anything again. That braided charm was all I had left of her.

“Leo’s home?”

Connor saw me and stood up.

“Biscuit loves this braided charm so much.”

“Mom said you didn’t need it anymore, so she gave it to Biscuit.”

I walked over and yanked the braided charm off the dog’s neck.

Biscuit freaked out and scratched my hand. Red lines rose immediately.

“Leo, what are you doing!”

Mom rushed over. “It’s just a braided charm. Are you really going to fight a dog over it?”

“Yeah, Leo.”

Connor’s eyes welled up. “If you’re upset, I’ll say sorry. Just don’t scare Biscuit.”

I clutched the braided charm, my voice muffled. “Mom made this for me. Not for the dog.”

Dad walked in just then. His face darkened.

“What now?”

Connor hurried over and shook his hand.

“It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have given the braided charm to Biscuit.”

Dad looked at me, accusing.

“It’s just a braided charm. You gave it away. What are you making a scene for?”

Then, ignoring me, he pulled the braided charm from my hand and tied it back around Biscuit’s neck.

“You got scratched because you’re so rough with him!”

I stared at the braided charm on Biscuit’s neck. Tears pooled in my eyes but didn’t fall.

At dinner, the hospital called. The blood test from my stay had come back.

Mom and Dad called me into the living room. Mom held my hand. Her palm was sweating.

“Leo, your blood type is the same as Connor’s. Rh-negative.”

“Your brother needs heart surgery, and the blood bank doesn’t have enough.”

“Leo, you’re the only one who can save him.”

I looked at them, calm. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

They froze. They probably thought I’d cry or fight.

Mom’s eyes welled up. “Leo’s such a good boy. Mom knew you’d understand.”

Aunt Claire arrived and rang the doorbell. “I’m here to pick up Leo.”

Dad didn’t let her in. “Connor’s surgery is next week. Until it’s done, Leo isn’t going anywhere.”

Aunt Claire stood outside, watching me through the gap in the door.

I shook my head at her and mouthed, Wait for me.

She looked at me for a long time before turning and going downstairs.

A while later, my smartwatch buzzed.

[Leo, Aunt Claire’s waiting for you.]

[As soon as the surgery’s over, I’m coming.]

After that, Mom suddenly started being nice to me.

In the morning, she made me steak and eggs. At night, she fed me red meat and spinach.

In my whole life, it was the first time she cooked for me every day.

For a second, it actually felt nice—until I heard her in the kitchen, talking to Dad. “We need to fatten him up. He’s too thin. I don’t want him passing out during the blood draw.”

I glanced at the calendar, clenched my fists, and went back to my room.

Two days until Connor’s surgery.

After this blood draw, I wouldn’t owe them anything.