The Luck Trade

1
After I traded my luck to my brother, he was no longer the slow, simple boy I grew up with. He became sharp, cleverthe respected Mr. Aston, CEO of our familys company.
And I, once the gifted child, was left with the mind of a seven-year-old, so clumsy I could barely walk without stumbling.
It pained him to see me fall and hurt myself, so he brought our housekeepers daughter, Maya, to live with us.
Youre the same age, he told me, a gentle smile on his face. I know youll be the best of friends.
I was so happy. I ran to get my favorite teddy bear to show her.
But instead of a smile, she gave me a slap that sent me sprawling to the floor.
Are you an idiot? she hissed, her face twisted in contempt. You have all this jewelry, and you offer me a stupid toy? Are you trying to insult me?
She snatched the bear and, with a pair of scissors, sliced it open. The soft cotton stuffing spilled onto the carpet like snow.
I burst into tears and called my brother, but Id caught him at the worst possible time.
His voice was cold, sharp with stress. Im exhausted, Monica. Its a stupid bear. Ill buy you another one. Can you please just stop making a scene?
The line went dead. I stood there, lost and confused.
Had he forgotten? That little bear was the vessel, the very thing that held our traded luck.

Footsteps echoed behind me. A hand tangled in my hair and yanked my head back.
Mayas teeth were clenched. You dare sneak off and call Mr. Aston? Youre asking for it!
A sharp pain exploded in my chest as her foot connected with my ribs, sending me flying into the wardrobe. My head swam. Through a haze of pain, I saw the ruined teddy bear lying beside me. I ignored everything else and scrambled to gather the tattered fabric.
The bear couldnt be broken. It couldnt.
The next second, a heavy weight crushed my hand. The pain was so intense, a scream tore from my throat. Maya ground her heel into my fingers, looking down at me with disdain.
Give me all your jewelry. A moron like you doesnt deserve to wear it anyway.
Cold sweat beaded on my forehead. I beat at her foot with my free hand, but my body was weak. To her, it was like a fly buzzing around her ankle.
Just as I was about to pass out, our housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, grabbed Mayas arm.
Honey, you cant go too far! What if Mr. Aston finds out?
He dotes on this stupid sister of his. If he finds out, well both be in hot water!
Maya scowled but reluctantly lifted her foot. Then, she turned her anger on my arm, her fingers digging into the soft flesh.
I cant stand her, she spat, her face contorted with rage. Why is her life so much better than mine? Did she really think she could fob me off with a stupid toy? No way in hell!
My face was pale with pain. I wanted to tell her the bear wasnt a giftit was just something to show her. My brother, Julian, had already bought her a present, an expensive designer necklace. I just hadnt had a chance to give it to her yet.
Before I could speak, Mrs. Gable was already soothing her daughter. I know where the little idiot keeps her jewelry. Ill get it for you, sweetie.
Mayas eyes lit up. Well, what are you waiting for? Show me!
She let go of me and eagerly followed her mother to my jewelry box.
I lay on the floor, tears of pain streaming down my face, but I never loosened my grip on the bears tattered remains. Its once-plump belly was now flat and empty. Its neck was torn. The only things intact were its two shiny black button eyes.
I crawled to my feet and frantically tried to stuff the cotton back inside. It cant be broken, I thought. If the bear is broken, Julians luck will run out
But no matter how hard I tried, the stuffing kept falling out. It was hopeless.
I hugged the ruined bear to my chest, my tears falling faster. I didnt understand. One minute, Maya was promising to take care of me; the next, she was a monster. And I didnt understand how my brother could have forgotten something so important.
I dont know how long I lay there.
Maya, satisfied with her haul of jewels, was watching TV. Mrs. Gable came in and swept up the scattered cotton, her voice a low warning. Not a word of this to your brother.
I was already terrified of her. I shrank back, climbed onto my bed, and hid the bear under my pillow.
I was tossing and turning, unable to sleep, when I heard Julians tired voice from downstairs.
Monica said Maya was bullying her. Mrs. Gable, whats going on?
He was home!
I shot upright in bed. I couldnt hear what Mrs. Gable said, but a moment later, my bedroom door opened, and Julian walked in.
He had come to see me. His eyes were heavy with fatigue and frustration, but beneath it, I could see the familiar ache of concern. He sat on the edge of my bed and stroked my hair.
Monica, he said softly, Mrs. Gable said you were lying. That you were just lonely and missed me.
Im home now. Are you happy?
I grabbed his hand, biting my lip. I had to tell him about the bear. I wasnt lying. Maya she took the bear and
Enough!
His voice was a whip crack. He yanked his hand away, his face darkening. The bear, the bear! Who would be so childish as to cut up a stupid toy?
Monica, are you trying to remind me that everything I have is because of you?
I havent forgotten! Not for a single second! Do you have any idea how exhausting it is running this company? Have you ever heard me complain?
Ive already decided to hand the company over to you one day! And Im going to find a way to fix you! You dont need to keep reminding me!
I stared at him, my mouth agape. Thats not what I meant, Julian
Do you think I wanted to trade with you? If the company hadnt been on the verge of collapse, I never would have done it!
If I had known it would be this exhausting, this relentless, I would have never agreed to it! I would rather have been the one to become an idiot!
His voice was shaking, his eyes red-rimmed with emotion.
But I only heard one thing.
Julian hadnt forgotten. He just thought being the idiot was the better deal. He regretted it. He didnt want to be CEO anymore.

My mind may be that of a seven-year-old, but I still remembered one very important thing.
Years ago, our parents died in a car crash, leaving Julian and me alone. The company was in its infancy, and no matter how hard Julian worked, he couldnt stop the bleeding. We were losing money, fast.
One New Years, he took me to a temple on a mountain to pray. There, we met a strange old mystic. He told us that the Aston familys luck was concentrated entirely in me, but I was too young to handle such a burden. He offered to perform a ritual to swap our fates. The price would be my intellect; I would slowly regress, becoming a child again.
Julian, of course, refused. He yelled at the old man, grabbed my hand, and took me home.
But the company continued to fail. One night, he held me and cried. Monica, I dreamed of Dad. He called me a failure.
What do I do? What am I supposed to do? Im too stupid, Im not good enough
His last words to me that night were, Im sorry.
After that, the teddy bear appeared in my hands. And Julian, miraculously, turned the company around. He became a titan in the business world, a force to be reckoned with.
He had warned me then, You can lose anything, Monica, but not that bear. If anything happens to it, our family is finished.
From that day on, I never let it out of my sight.
But now, he didn't seem to care anymore. He regretted his choice. If the bear was broken wouldnt that be a good thing? If he wanted his old life back then maybe I shouldnt say anything about the bear at all.
I quietly pulled my hand out from under the pillow.
Monica, youre a child. You dont have to worry about anything, Julians voice cut through my thoughts. But do you have any idea how tired I am? How much pressure Im under every single day?
He was struggling to keep his emotions in check. His voice was almost a plea. Im only twenty-five. I cant do everything. Please, can you just not cause any more trouble for me?
Looking at the exhaustion etched on his face, my heart ached. Im sorry, Julian. I wont bother you with little things anymore.
His lips tightened, and for a moment, he looked relieved. He took my hand.
Then his expression changed. He pushed up my sleeve, his eyes locking onto the dark bruises on my arm. What is this? Who did this to you?
Before I could answer, Maya burst into the room. She snatched my hand, holding up a first-aid kit with a look of theatrical concern.
Im so sorry, Mr. Aston. I wasnt watching Monica closely enough today. She insisted on playing outside and took a tumble. I was just about to put some ointment on her bruises.
Julian frowned, his gaze shifting to me. Is that true?
I sighed internally. In the past, when Mrs. Gable had hit me, I had told Julian many times. He never believed me. He always said she had been with our family for over a decade and would never do such a thing. Eventually, I just stopped trying.
Besides, I really didnt want to add to his burdens.
So I nodded. Yes. I fell.
Maya let out a sigh of relief. Let me put some medicine on that for you, Monica.
Julian stared at her, his expression unreadable. Take care of Monica, he said, his voice low and heavy. The study abroad program I promised you depends on it.
And I have security cameras installed in the house. I check them regularly.
He was lying. I knew he never checked the cameras. If he had, he would have known long ago that Mrs. Gable was abusing me. But I didnt call him out on it. He was so busy; it was normal for him to overlook things.
But his words terrified Maya.
The next morning, after Julian left for work, she and her mother tore the house apart, desperate to find the cameras. My clothes were thrown on the floor and trampled. Julians priceless antique vase was shattered.
I huddled in a corner, my heart pounding.
Do you know where they are? Maya snarled, glaring at me.
I shook my head frantically. No!
She didnt believe me. She slapped me across the face. You little bitch. You know, dont you? Youre just waiting to tattle to Mr. Aston.
Tell me where they are, damn it!
I fell, and the ruined bear tumbled out from where Id hidden it in my shirt. Its two black eyes stared up at me. I reached for it, but Mrs. Gable grabbed my arm.
Her smile was chilling. Miss Monica, just tell me where the cameras are. I promise Ill never hit you again.
Shed made that promise a hundred times before. I didnt believe her for a second.
I struggled. I dont know! Ask Julian!
CRACK!
Another slap, so hard my head spun. Mrs. Gables hands were large and strong. The blow left a red mark on my neck, and my cheek began to swell. A flash of regret crossed her faceshed hit me too hard. Julian would notice. She vented her frustration by kicking me hard in the stomach.
If Mr. Aston finds out, Maya and I are done for! And you wont have it easy either!
She kicked me again and again, until the world went black.
When I woke up, the house was spotless. I instinctively looked at my hand. The bear was still clutched in my fist. I hadnt lost it.
But looking at the tattered rag and two black buttons that used to be my round, plump teddy bear, the relief I felt was quickly swamped by a wave of despair.
What was the point? The bear was already broken. Even if I protected it, it was too late.
My lip trembled. I tossed the bear aside, not caring where it landed.
I ran upstairs, a sharp pain in my chest, the taste of iron in my mouth. This time, Mrs. Gable had been especially vicious.
In my room, I automatically reached for my phone to call Julian. But I stopped. I had promised him I wouldnt bother him with little things anymore. He was so tired. The company was about to go public; he hadnt been home for dinner in weeks.
Perhaps it was a psychic connection. Just as I was thinking of him, he came home early. He was beaming, carrying a cake. The company had successfully gone public.
Monica, its all because of you, he said, his eyes shining. I never could have done this without you. I didnt let Mom and Dad down. I finally made them proud.
I had never seen him so happy, not since our parents died. He cut the cake himself and gave me the piece with the biggest strawberry.
Monica, Ill be able to spend more time with you now. Are you happy?
My eyes lit up. I took a big bite of cake. Happy!
My enthusiasm made him smile even wider. He ruffled my hair affectionately.
Across the room, Maya was clenching her fists, her jaw tight. She still hadnt found the cameras, and it was eating away at her. But she told herself that if Julian had seen anything, he would have exploded by now. She forced a smile.
Congratulations, Mr. Aston. I guess you wont be needing me anymore, now that you can be with Monica.
Julian cut her a slice of cake, his smile generous. Of course well still need you. Youre Mrs. Gables daughter. I hope you and Monica can become good friends.
In his joy, he missed the flash of mockery in her eyes. How could two people from such different worlds ever be friends?
After the cake, Julian handed me a beautifully wrapped box. Inside was a stunning pearl necklace.
Theres a celebration gala tomorrow, he said softly. Everyone whos anyone in this city will be there. I want you to come with me, Monica. None of this would have happened without you.
Go pick out a new dress. Tomorrow, Im going to introduce you to everyone.
I wrung my hands. All my new clothes had been taken by Mrs. Gable for Maya. The old ones had been cut up and thrown away.
Julian, you should go by yourself, I said meekly. I dont know how to talk to people. Theyll laugh at me.
He smiled. Who would dare laugh at you? Youre my sister.
I could feel itJulians status had risen to a whole new level. Thinking of my own diminished state, a strange new emotion welled up inside me. I dont have any clothes! Im not going!
I turned and ran upstairs, locking myself in my room.
Downstairs, I could hear Julians voice drift up through the door. Whats wrong with Monica? Where are all her clothes?
Mayas voice was laced with false innocence. She she got them all dirty playing in the mud. My mom sent them to be cleaned.
Julian sighed. I guess well have to get her treatment started as soon as possible after tomorrow. She cant go on like this.
I clamped my hands over my ears, not wanting to hear any more.
The next day, Julian went to the gala by himself. Before he left, he turned on the TV to the local news channel. Monica, Im going to be on TV today. Since you dont want to come, you can watch from home.
On a whim, I asked, Julian, did you really install cameras in the house?
He glanced around, then lowered his voice. Yes. Theyre in your teddy bears eyes. Dont tell anyone.
Ive been too busy to check them, but I will when I have time.
His assistant was calling him. He hurried out the door.
After he left, I tore the house apart, but I couldnt find the bear anywhere. I was starting to panic when Maya shoved me.
You little idiot, what are you doing? Now my mom has to clean up your mess!
I stumbled and hit the TV stand. My eyes met the two black, shiny eyes of the teddy bear, which was perched on top of the TV.
I gasped with relief. I was about to grab it when Maya kicked me to the floor.
Just then, Julians voice came from the TV. My success today is all thanks to my sister. Even though she couldnt be here, Id like to dedicate this first toast to her.
I looked at the screen. Julian was raising his glass, a wide smile on his face. In front of him were countless reporters and business leaders, all fawning over him.
Mr. Aston, why isnt your sister here today? Wed love to meet her! someone called out.
Julians smile faltered slightly. She she was injured saving my life when we were children. It affected her mind. She has the intellect of a seven-year-old and cant handle large crowds.
To thank her, Ive purchased two estates in her name. I plan to live there with her and take care of her for the rest of her life.
At his words, Mayas eyes turned red with envy. She threw herself on top of me and started slapping me, again and again.
You bitch! Why do you get to have such a good life? Why dont I have a brother like that?
As her slaps rained down on me, someone on the TV shouted, Mr. Aston, do you have a photo of your sister? Can you show us?
Julians good mood returned. He smiled. Even better. Why dont I turn on the security camera at home and let her say hello?
He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen.
The teddy bears eyes on top of the TV suddenly swiveled, focusing directly on me, and on Maya, who was still on top of me, slapping my face.

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