Choosing One Life Over Another

Just as expected, Mom's face immediately turned cold. "What's the point of sending someone that selfish to study abroad? Who knows how twisted he'd become after being abroad?"

Felix gently said, "Mom, don't be angry. I'm sure Sean has his reasons."

Mom's expression immediately softened. "Felix, you're too kind. That's why Sean keeps taking advantage of you."

That was always Felix's strength—knowing exactly what to say to win our parents' hearts.

I knew that even if I stood right in front of them and told them all of Felix's cruel behavior over the years, they'd only slap me across the face and accuse me of making things up, saying that I was just jealous of him.

After all these years, I had gotten used to it.

In the middle of their conversation, my older sister, Ashley Goodman, burst into the room. Her footsteps were hurried as she anxiously rushed to check on Felix.

The moment she heard about the accident, she immediately flew in from another state without a second thought. And just like my parents, she only cared about Felix.

Once she confirmed he was okay, Ashley let out a sigh of relief before fuming, "I've always said that Sean is a curse to our family. Ever since Felix was born, he's been hurting him again and again!"

Felix took the opportunity to act pitiful. "Don't be angry, Ash. I'm sure Sean didn't mean to hurt me!"

The whole family burst into an uproar upon hearing this.

Dad slammed the table. "What? He actually caused the car accident to hurt you?"

Mom clenched her teeth. "That bastard! I'll make him pay!"

The look in Ashley's eyes was venomous, as if she wished she could rip me into pieces.

Felix flinched, as though he realized things had gone too far and they might start questioning the story. He hurriedly said to them, "Please don't be mad at Sean, okay? Maybe I remembered it wrong. No matter what, he's still my brother. He wouldn't do something like that!"

Ashley gently tapped his forehead. "You're just too naive. You have no idea how evil some people can be."

At this point, Mom chimed in, "It's truly a blessing to have a son like you. Alright. I'll listen to you. Let's forget about that ungrateful brat and focus on getting you well again."

The warm golden light of the setting sun spilled across Felix's hospital bed.

Watching the four of them together—a happy, united family—I felt an indescribable ache in my chest.

In that moment, I realized how out of place my soul truly was. It was as if I wasn't one of them at all, like I was just a stray dog that wandered into their home.

I wanted to leave. But my spirit was bound tightly to Mom's side.

I couldn't speak. I could only watch and endure their contempt in silence.