Chapter 9

“You want to leave?”

Dad asks. I nod.

I’ve been staying at the Landrys, keeping my distance. They always wanted me to act this way, and now that I am, they can’t seem to get used to it.

Dad sighs.

“We were going to tell you later, but Brittany has kidney failure. And out of all the kidney donors we can find, you’re the only one who matches.”

“Ashley, after everything I’ve done for you, will you help Brittany?”

Dad says that if I donate a kidney, all is I laugh, but it’s bitter. I actually thought the Landrys brought me back because they felt sorry for me.

Turns out they just want my kidney. Mom looks guilty for some reason.

“Ashley, you know I’ve always thought of you as my daughter, and if you say no, nobody can make you do it!”

Chad scoffs.

“Mom, do you even know who your daughter is? Brittany will die without a kidney!”

Mom’s eyes are bloodshot.

“I know who my daughter is, you don’t need to remind me!”

Chad shuts up. Brittany lowers her gaze, but she doesn’t say anything. Dad starts to say something, but Mom silences him.

She looks at me, like she’s hoping that if I say no, she’ll protect me like she used to.

I just smile and nod.

“It’s okay, Mrs. Landry, I’ll do it.”

One kidney to cut ties with the Landrys, it’s worth it, right? They’re all surprised that I’m so compliant. Mom hugs me and starts crying.

I don’t understand why she’s so upset. Does she know I got stabbed by a patient, which means I only have one working kidney?