"When the truck came at us, Big Sister turned the wheel!" She buried her face in Mom's chest, trembling like a frightened little animal. "She exposed the passenger side to the impact... Mom, I'm so scared."
Mom's face hardened instantly. "Your father and I are doctors. Do you think we can't tell who is injured more severely?"
"Causing a car accident and wasting medical resources—you are becoming impossible, Michelle."
Dad's face was a mask of disappointment. He joined Mom, and together, they flanked Grace, each holding one of her hands.
"Why are you still hanging around the hospital?" Dad barked. "Go home!"
Every muscle screamed as I struggled off the hospital bed. By the time I reached the billing hall, Dad's voice drifted over from a distance.
"You take Grace home first. I'll take Michelle for a detailed check-up."
A spark of hope ignited in my chest.
But the next moment, Mom's words plunged me into an icy abyss.
"She used a revival. Does she need an exam?" A scoff. "You know how it works. After a System revival, she heals instantly, no matter how bad the injury."
A pause. Then, cruelly: "Besides, it would be good if she suffered some aftereffects. Maybe pain will teach her how to be a good older sister."
"First the accident years ago, and now this? Michelle is getting worse every time."
Mom spoke through clenched teeth. "If she keeps acting out like this, she might as well just die. Donate her body; at least then she'd make a contribution to society!"
I stood frozen.
It wasn't until their car disappeared from the hospital driveway that I finally came back to my senses.
So, they hated me that much.
A bitter smile twisted my lips. *Dad, Mom, you'll get your wish soon enough.*
I stood there blankly for a long moment before turning toward the administration desk to sign the body donation agreement.
As I turned to leave, an emergency nurse ran after me. "Excuse me? Michelle Fox? Your emergency fees haven't been settled."
I paid the bill. My remaining balance: eighty cents.
The countdown had already ticked past one hour and forty-five minutes.
*What should I do with my remaining time?*
Before I could form a plan, my stomach growled. Loud. Insistent. Across the street, a breakfast stall. The cheapest vegetarian bun was one dollar.
I had eighty cents.
Hunger gnawed at me until I couldn't stand it anymore. I dialed Mom. "Mom, I don't have any money. Can you transfer me some?"