My Brother’s Regret: The Slum

Three years after my own brother sent me away, our paths crossed at the airport.
War had broken out in Adana. Id been severely injured protecting children in the slums and was being flown home for medical care.
He, on the other hand, was about to embark on a round-the-world trip with his adopted sister.
Our eyes met. His gaze swept over my injuries, and his voice was laced with the same old disappointment.
I warned you it was dangerous over there. You have no one to watch your back, so stop looking for trouble.
He paused, his expression hardening. I can get you the best doctor, but first, you will apologize to Nina for what you did.
I lay limp on the stretcher, my gaze drifting away from him.
No, thanks, I said, my voice a faint rasp. We stopped being brother and sister a long time ago.
Besides, I had a new brother now, a man of immense power Id met overseas.
Seacliff Citys finest surgeon was already waiting for me.

My body was a canvas of countless wounds, big and small. The pain in my leg was so intense it was bordering on numbness. Just uttering that one sentence made the metallic taste of blood flood my throat.
My brother Ethans face darkened.
Its been three years. Are you still holding a grudge? he scoffed. Youre this torn up, and you still havent learned your lesson?
I tried to retort, but a sharp movement sent a jolt of agony through me, and I sucked in a breath. The two paramedics carrying my stretcher immediately tried to move on, but Ethan blocked their path.
Sophia, is it so hard for you to just say youre sorry?
The sudden halt of the stretcher sent a blinding, bone-deep pain shooting up my right leg.
I bit down hard on my lip, forcing the words out. I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?
Beside him, Nina clutched Ethans arm, her voice a soft, cautious whisper. Ethan, let it go. I was fine a long time ago
Youre still defending her? Ethans voice was sharp with frustration. If she hadnt slapped you back then, would your heart condition have flared up, taking three years to recover?
He shot me another venomous glare. Look at you. You clearly got into a fight and got beaten up. And youre still unrepentant. Sending you to the slums was too lenient!
Adana was a chaotic hellscape, and its slums were no place for a human being. So, naturally, Ethan assumed my injuries were the result of a street brawl.
He was wrong.
I was hit by shrapnel from a mortar shell.
I had thrown myself over two small children to shield them.
It didn't just cost me my leg. Id lost most of the hearing in one ear, too.
I looked up at him, a mocking smile playing on my lips. Youre right. You should have just killed me back then.
You want an apology? Maybe in the next life.
Ethans face turned ashen, his hands clenched into tight fists. He looked like he was seconds away from striking me.
Just then, the airport announcer called his and Ninas names, a final boarding call for their flight.
My paramedics were getting anxious, their faces grim as they tried to push past him.
Nina tugged on his sleeve. Ethan, we should go, or well miss our flight! Her face was pale, her voice small and frail.
That was the look he could never resist. His tone softened instantly.
Alright.
But when he turned back to me, his eyes were chips of ice.
Ill deal with you when I get back from our trip with Nina.
The crowd swirled around us, and in a moment, he and Nina were gone, swallowed by the flow of travelers.
The two foreign paramedics rushed my stretcher outside and into a waiting ambulance. At the hospital, a team of three doctors immediately began examining me, their faces grave.
The only American doctor among them spoke in a low, reassuring tone. Miss Spencer, dont worry. You got back just in time. We can still save your leg.
Mr. Lin gave us clear instructions. He wants you fully healed. Were taking you into surgery now.
Mr. Lin. My new brother, Leo. Hearing his name was like an anchor in a storm. A sense of peace washed over me.
I managed a weak nod before they wheeled me into the operating room.
The three surgeons surrounded me, and the anesthesiologist prepped the IV.
As consciousness began to fade, I slowly closed my eyes. But just then, a horribly familiar voice echoed from outside.
Where are the doctors? My sisters having a heart attack! Get your best specialists in here, now!
My heart dropped like a stone.
But before I could process it, the anesthesia took hold, and my world went black.
I thought three years had been long enough to bury the past.
But in my dreams, I was right back in that soul-crushing family estate.
I was kidnapped at seven. By the time Ethan found me and brought me home, I was seventeen. In those ten years, he had endured my disappearance and then the sudden, accidental death of our parents. The grief shattered him, pushing him into a severe depression that led to multiple suicide attempts.
His therapist suggested he adopt a sister. And so, Nina entered his life.
Nina was three years younger than me and had Ethan wrapped around her little finger. I returned home at the peak of their bond.
Ethan was always warning me.
Sophia, Nina has a weak heart. She cant handle stress. Stay away from her, dont provoke her.
She was there for me through everything. I cant just send her away, but dont worry. Youre my only real sister.
I knew how much he had suffered, so I tolerated it. I swallowed my pride, again and again.
But behind his back, Nina showed her fangs.
At family gatherings, shed convince Ethan to leave me at home, claiming I didnt understand the proper etiquette. The welcome-home gifts from relatives and friends? She took them, one by one. If I dared to protest, shed clutch her chest and gasp about how she couldnt breathe.
As it happened more and more, Ethans disappointment in me grew.
Theyre just little things, why do you have to make such a big deal? Nina has a heart condition. Are you trying to kill her?
I endured it all, until the day Nina accidentally knocked over the bowl of soup Id made for Ethan. It was a small thing, but it was the spark that lit the fuse of all my pent-up anger and resentment.
Ethans stomach is acting up from overworking! If youre not going to help, at least dont make things worse!
I slapped her.
The next second, she was on the floor, clutching her heart.
Ill never forget the icy glare Ethan gave me.
Well settle this when I get back, he said, before scooping Nina into his arms and rushing to the hospital.
I waited, my stomach churning with anxiety. The next morning, he came home, his face a cold mask. He handed me a passport and a plane ticket.
Nina had a severe heart episode. You cant stay here anymore. Go to Adana for a while, cool your head.
I stared at him in disbelief, tears streaming down my face. If you send me away, I screamed, Ill never call you brother again!
His face hardened. He grabbed my arm and began dragging me towards the door. Youve done nothing but cause trouble since you came back. Do you think youre some kind of princess? If you cant get rid of that rotten attitude, then dont come back at all!
Here, I can protect you. But over there, youre on your own.
Even as I sat on the plane, I couldnt believe he had just abandoned me. I was sobbing uncontrollably, my voice hoarse.
I did nothing wrong! If you send me away, youre not my brother anymore!
His lips pressed into a thin line, and with one sentence, he shattered all my remaining hope.
Then Im not.
After just one year back home, I was exiled to a slum worse than any kidnapper's den.
Even now, I don't have the courage to remember how I survived those three years.
I woke up crying, the bright lights of the operating room blinding me.
A young intern stood beside me, scalpel in hand, her voice filled with pity.
All the senior surgeons were called away by a Mr. Ethan Spencer. He donated a hundred million dollars to this hospital, so
Two of my ribs were broken. My body was covered in over a hundred stitches. The intern had managed to close my wounds, but because wed missed the optimal window for surgery, my right leg was now facing amputation.
Miss Spencer, the bones in your leg are shattered, and the tissue is becoming necrotic. You dont have much time to decide.
Someones voice buzzed in my ear. Amputation is a viable option. You can be fitted with a prosthesis later.
My head was ringing. Images of the maimed and crippled from the slums flashed through my mind. They hadnt been fast enough to run from the shelling. They were blown to pieces.
We believe in keeping the body whole for the afterlife. I didnt want to be buried missing a leg.
My voice was thick with tears when I spoke. What happens if I dont amputate?
The muscles will atrophy. You could lose your other leg as well. You might manage with crutches for a while, but eventually youll likely need a wheelchair.
I covered my face with my hands, hot tears streaming through my fingers.
A moment later, the phone under my pillow buzzed. It was a video call from Leo.
I took a deep breath, composed myself, and answered, showing only half my face to the camera, a weak smile on my lips.
Hey, whats up?
He held up a plane ticket. Just wanted to let you know, Ill be there in two days, he said, his voice etched with worry. Youre out of surgery, right? Hows the recovery going? I got you the best doctor in Seacliff City, so everything should be fine, right?
I angled the phone away slightly. Its fine. Dont worry.
He let out a sigh of relief, a smile returning to his face. Joseph and Hank are insisting on coming. They said you saved their lives.
Two familiar faces popped into the frame, waving their hands and chattering excitedly in their native Adanan. I forced another smile, exchanged a few words with them, and then ended the call, claiming I needed to rest.
I had just put the phone down when I heard Ethans voice from the hallway.
This must be the young ladys room, right? I was in a hurry earlier and had to pull her surgeons away. Id like to apologize to her.
The door opened. When he saw me, he froze.
The Miss Spencer in the operating room it was you?
I gave him a scornful look. Let me guess. Just like every other time, Nina is perfectly fine now, isn't she?
Before Ethan could answer, the intern spoke up, her voice urgent. Miss Spencer, have you made a decision? Are we amputating or not? If you choose amputation, we need to operate immediately!
The color drained from Ethans face. Amputation? What are you talking about?
The intern, after confirming their relationship, explained my condition to him.
When he learned that it was because he had pulled my doctors away that Id missed the crucial window for surgery, his expression became a mask of horror.
But then, just as quickly, he made the decision for me.
Amputate. Its better than losing both legs later!
My fingers clenched into a fist. No! I choose conservative treatment!
I could deal with the consequences later. I had to wait for Leo to get here. What if he had a way?
Ethans face was a thundercloud. Why are you being so stubborn? Didnt you hear what the doctor said? Amputation isnt the end of the world. Even if you can never stand again, Ill support you. No one will dare to laugh at you for being a cripple!
No! I shouted, my voice raw. Id rather use crutches than lose my leg! We already cut ties! You have no right to decide for me!
Well The doctor looked torn.
Ethans brow furrowed. He pulled out a stack of documentshis passport, his ID, and even our family registration booklet.
He handed the booklet to the doctor, a flicker of relief in his eyes. Good thing I brought all our documents for the trip.
Doctor, he said, his voice firm, I am Sophia Spencers sole legal guardian. Dont listen to her nonsense.
Were choosing amputation. Do the surgery. Now.

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