Chapter 1

Everyone could see the glowing countdown timer above my twin sister Clara's head. Everyone knew she was destined to die the year she turned eighteen.

Because of this, Clara was the absolute center of our universe.

The TV remote was always hers. The first bite of any delicious meal was always hers. And our parents' undivided, suffocating love was entirely hers.

I knew it wasn't her fault. But I couldn't help the bitter envy that grew inside me.

Finally, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Clara made a wish. She wanted to die in a place closest to the sky.

So the family planned a trip to Aspen. Everyone went—except me.

Before they left, my parents looked at me as I lay in bed, coughing violently. My mother frowned, her voice cold.

"Chloe, watch the house. And do not open the door for anyone!"

I rasped out, "Mom, please... can you take me to the hospital? My chest hurts so bad..."

My mother pursed her lips and sighed. "Chloe, where would we get the money for your hospital bills? Do you have any idea how expensive this trip to Aspen is?"

"But my lungs... they burn..."

No one answered me. The only response was the heavy thud of the front door locking from the outside.