Sisterhood#

: The Plan

4

To avoid upsetting me, Mother's attitude toward my little sister had improved quite a bit recently. At least she wasn't lashing out at her anymore.

I was happy. I hoped my little sister could have a happy life after I was gone.

But I was getting ahead of myself. When I was finally strong enough to take a walk outside, I overheard some patients discussing a mother who was forcing her younger daughter to get tested as a bone marrow match for her older sister. They said she had already scheduled the procedure for the day of the College Admissions Exams.

"The day of the College Admissions Exams? Wouldn't that ruin the younger daughter's future? How could a mother be so cruel!"

"Exactly!"

A wave of panic washed over me, and I hurried back toward my room. I walked so quickly that I was gasping for breath.

I looked up to meet Mother's anxious gaze. "Ellie, where have you been? You were all alone! What if something had happened? You should have had Bonnie Sterling with you. What's the use of her going to school, anyway?"

I caught my breath and took a sip of water.

"Mother, my little sister is a great student. School is obviously useful. If my health wasn't so bad, I'd want to be in school too, making good friends."

A flustered look crossed Mother's face. "Let's not talk about that. Ellie, how are you feeling today?"

"I'm doing great today. I even took a walk in the garden by myself. Oh, and Mother, I heard a funny story from some of the other adults here. They said there was a mother who wanted her younger daughter to be a donor match for the older one, so she stopped the younger girl from taking her College Admissions Exams. She even scheduled the procedure for that very day. The College Admissions Exams are so important… don't you think, Mother?"

Mother's face went pale, and she guiltily stammered in agreement.