The Remorse That Cracked a Family

Leon came home that evening. He walked straight past me to my parents without even looking my way.

"Mom, Dad, Emma's kidneys are failing. She needs a transplant, but I'm not a match."

He looked so worried, like he was her husband instead of mine.

My parents jumped up from the couch in shock.

"How is that possible? We should get tested to see if we can donate."

Their favoritism had made them lose all sense. Facts didn't matter anymore. If Emma wanted something, they'd give it to her no matter what.

I'd already confirmed with the hospital director that she was perfectly fine.

Seeing them about to rush out, I quickly blocked their path.

"Let me donate my kidney. We're twins, so I'll be the best match. And I'll give one of my corneas to Daria, too."

Years ago, Emma had taken Daria out to play. A dog attacked, and Daria lost her left eye.

She had longed for beautiful eyes ever since, but a donor never appeared. Since I was dying anyway, I might as well help my daughter get what she wanted.

At my words, Leon immediately perked up and called Emma. I'd almost forgotten he could look that caring.

After ending the call, he walked over hesitantly, his expression uneasy.

"Sarah, there's something I need to talk to you about," he said.

I looked at him silently, waiting for him to continue.

"Emi's really traumatized from this incident. She's having memory problems and thinks I'm her husband and Daria's her daughter."

He went on, "The doctors say we should go along with it to help her recover. I want to help her, so let's get divorced first. When she regains her memory, we can remarry."

I stared at the man I'd once loved so deeply. On our wedding day, he'd promised to always have my back. Now he wanted a divorce because of another woman's lies.

"Fine. I agree."

Surprise flashed across Leon's face. Afraid I might change my mind, he quickly pulled out the divorce agreement and pushed it toward me.

"You're so understanding, Sarah," he said, trying to charm me. "Don't worry. This is just temporary. Once Emi gets better…"

I was too tired to listen to his empty promises. Just as I reached for the pen, a wave of severe dizziness struck me. Everything went black, and I collapsed.

The cold woke me after a series of nightmares. I was still sprawled on the same icy floor.

My whole family surrounded me—my parents, Leon, and my five-year-old daughter, Daria. My eyes filled with tears as I looked at them.

"If I'd died in that snowstorm, would you have missed me?" I asked.

Their faces showed no concern or pity, only disappointment and impatience.

"Daddy, I told you she was faking it," Daria said, pointing at me.

She tattled loudly to Leon, who was holding her.

"I bet she doesn't want to give Aunt Emma her kidney or give me her eye. She probably doesn't want the divorce either."

He sighed, looking at me wearily.

"Sarah, can you please grow up? We know you're upset, but faking a collapse for attention isn't necessary."

Mom frowned too, her tone sharp with accusation.

"Exactly. Emi's stuck in the hospital while you're out here making a scene. She's already sick enough. Do you want to stress her out even more?"

I listened quietly to their accusations, then decisively signed the divorce agreement.

"Tomorrow, I'll go to the hospital to donate my organs. I'll visit Emma while I'm there. There are some asset transfer documents she needs to sign."

My parents froze for a moment, clearly not expecting me to make the offer myself. Their annoyed expressions immediately brightened.

"Then, hurry up. Don't keep Emi waiting."