Chapter 4

Dr. Ashford read aloud. Her voice was flat. Clinical.

"Today is my twentieth birthday.

Serena came to the house to celebrate with me. I was so happy.

But Julian was there. Always there. He kept cutting between us. Wouldn't let me talk to her. Pressed himself against her side like a child.

I tried not to be jealous.

He's my brother. He'd never hurt me.

I remember the day they found him. Ten years lost. Ten years of Mom and Dad crying, searching, praying.

I swore I'd protect him.

But after he came home, everything changed.

Mom and Dad stopped looking at me. It was like I didn't exist.

I burned my hand making them breakfast once. They didn't even notice. Just threw the food away.

But Julian? He brought them a cheap souvenir from a trip, and they carried it everywhere. Showed it to everyone. Bragged.

It's fine. He deserves it. He suffered.

At least I still have Serena.

She'll never leave me."

---

Dr. Ashford paused.

Serena's face was stone.

Julian shifted uncomfortably.

Dr. Ashford continued.

"Julian got hurt doing one of his extreme sports stunts. Damaged his kidney.

Mom and Dad asked me to donate mine.

I said no.

I was in the middle of my detective certification exams. The surgery would take months to recover from. I'd miss my shot.

They begged. Guilted. Screamed.

But it was Serena who strapped me to the operating table.

Serena.

I woke up with one kidney and no future."

Serena's jaw clenched. "That's a lie."

Dr. Ashford didn't stop.

"Thunder last night. The worst storm in years.

Serena used to be terrified of storms. She'd curl up in my arms, shaking.

But last night, she locked me in my room.

And went to Julian's.

He called her. Said he was scared.

She didn't even look back."

"October third.

I'll never forget this date.

A car hit me. I was bleeding. Broken leg. I begged them to call an ambulance.

Serena refused.

She said I was faking. Said I just wanted an excuse to see 'that doctor.'

I don't even know who she's talking about.

She locked me in a room. Alone. For a full day.

By the time she let a medic in, the damage was permanent.

I'll never be a detective now.

She said she loved my dream. My dedication. My desire to serve.

But she clipped my wings herself."