Chapter 4

I woke up to the smell of antiseptic.

Nova was outside talking to the doctor.

The moment she saw I was awake, the doctor hurried over to check on me.

Nova stood there, arms crossed, throwing me disgusted glances every few seconds.

The doctor told her, "Her condition is serious. She needs to stay hospitalized for a few days and then schedule surgery. If we wait any longer, it might be irreversible."

Nova looked doubtful. "Surgery? For something like this? Can't you just give her some meds? Young people heal fast. Look at her. She seems fine. And I don't have money for surgery."

The doctor got visibly angry. "This isn't some minor illness! Medication alone won't help. She's already in the late stage. As her guardian, you have a responsibility..."

Nova snapped, "What kind of doctor are you? This isn't about responsibility. If I had money, of course, I'd get her the damn surgery. Since you care so much, why don't you pay for it?"

Frustrated, the doctor stormed off.

I stared blankly at the ceiling, desperate inside.

For the first time, I thought, "Maybe dying wouldn't be so bad.

If I died, I wouldn't have to sell myself any more.

I wouldn't have to be sick.

I wouldn't have to feel what it's like for my mother to throw me away like trash."