The Burdened Second Half of Life

After my family fell, my uncle was diagnosed with ALS. I left the military, borrowed from loan sharks, and carried his burden alone.

For five years, I endured it allbroken ribs without painkillers, exhaustion without restevery cent went to his care.

One night, while waitressing at the Astoria Grand, I saw him. The man I thought was wheelchair-bound stood tall in uniform, laughing with comrades.

General, one said, youve faked ALS for five years. Sarahs nearly worked herself to death. Isnt it enough?

Uncle Marcus scoffed. Almost. If she hadnt rejected Elsie and driven her into depression, I wouldnt have needed to teach her this lesson.

He continued, Elsies doing better now. Soon, Ill recover miraculously. Sarah will have suffered enough to behave.

But will she believe an ALS recovery? his comrade asked.

Marcus laughed. That foolish girl? Shes believed me since childhood. This is for her own good. Ill make it up to her later.

I lowered my head, tears falling silently.

But Uncle, there is no later for us.

Your illness is a lie.

But mine is real.

...

A cold wind whipped around the building, chilling me to the bone. I stood frozen, a puppet on a string, as the faith I had clung to for five years was systematically dismantled, a death by a thousand cuts. Each one carved away a piece of my soul.

His friend, Captain Grant, sighed. I have to say, Marcus, thats cold. This is the girl you raised. The youngest ace sniper in the Command. She threw away her career for you, without a second thought. Shes barely in her twenties and she looks like shes aged a decade. The other day, she was eight hundred dollars short for your imported medicine. She came to me, begging for a loan.

Marcuss face hardened. And you gave it to her?

Grant shook his head, his expression pained. You gave a direct order. What could I do? The kid stood outside my barracks all afternoon until she passed out from low blood sugar. I didnt even dare help her up. She came to on her own and used the wall to pull herself to her feet.

What Grant didnt say was that on that day, I had pressed my service pistol to my temple.

Captain, Id said, theres one round left in the chamber. If you dont lend me the money, Im pulling the trigger.

Uncle had been off his medication for seven days, and he was coughing up blood.

But Grant had just stared at me with red-rimmed eyes, disarmed me with grim resolve, and shoved me out of his room like I was carrying the plague.

Now I understood. It wasnt that he didnt want to help. He wasnt allowed to.

Marcuss voice was like ice. Let me be clear to all of you. Until Elsie returns from her retreat in the Capital, no one helps Sarah. Not if she kneels, not if she begs. If she drops dead in front of you, you dont even look.

Elsie is a fragile soul, and her depression is just starting to lift. This five-year punishment for Sarah is not to be cut short by a single day. If any of you upsets Elsie, dont blame me for what happens next.

The room fell silent.

Someone finally broke the tension. General, arent you afraid that if Sarah finds out the truth, itll break her heart?

Marcus let out a short, harsh laugh. Break her heart? I raised her. I gave her a life. Whats a little hardship? Elsie is different. She has no one. Shes suffered so much. Its my duty to take care of her.

His gaze swept across the room. What was said here tonight stays here. If a single word of it reaches Sarahs ears, our history will mean nothing.

I leaned against the cold wall, my limbs numb.

So that was it. The five years I had risked my life for, my entire future, was nothing more than a carefully orchestrated punishment. My career, my honor all of it could be sacrificed at the slightest hint of Elsies displeasure, dismissed by my uncle as a necessary evil.

I wanted to laugh, but the taste of rust filled my throat.

A phone rang inside the room, and footsteps approached the door. I had no time to hide. I spun around frantically and collided with the manager carrying a bottle of wine.

The bottle, a special reserve for the military elite, shattered on the floor.

The managers face contorted with rage, and he slapped me hard across the face.

The door to the private room swung open. Marcus strode out, his eyes passing right over me as he opened his arms to catch Elsie, who had just arrived.

What are you doing here by yourself? he cooed. I told you Id come pick you up.

Elsies laughter was bright and clear. I missed you, Uncle! I wanted to surprise you!

I was on my knees on the cold marble floor, less than a yard away, a mask covering my face. The brilliant diamonds on Elsies watch seared my tear-filled eyes. A single one of those gems could have paid for three months of my uncles medicine.

The manager scurried over, bowing apologetically. General Redmond, my deepest apologies This idiot broke your bottle.

A pair of black military boots stopped right in front of me.

Marcus frowned, annoyed. Enough. He pointed a finger at me. You broke it. Youll clean it up with your bare hands. If Elsie steps on a single shard, youll swallow every last piece.

I knelt, my palms pressing into the carpet, searching for the glass. The shards bit into my skin, leaving a trail of tiny, bleeding cuts.

Elsie let out a delicate gasp, clinging to Marcuss arm. Uncle, my feet are tired.

Youre so spoiled. Let me carry you out of here. Its filthy.

His black military boot pressed down on the back of my hand and moved on, without a moments pause.

I remained on my knees, staring at my bloody palms, and a low laugh escaped my lips. Tears mixed with the warm fluid trickling from my nose, dripping onto the floor.

The manager jumped back. Whats wrong with you? Youre bleeding everywhere!

I staggered to my feet, wiping my face with my sleeve. It came away stained crimson.

Maybe Im finally dying.

Ignoring his stunned expression, I turned and walked away, leaving a broken trail of red drops behind me.

When I pushed open the door to our apartment, the sound of breaking porcelain came from the kitchen.

Marcus was struggling to push himself up with his arms, trying to get out of his overturned wheelchair. When he saw me, he froze, then dropped his head, his eyes quickly turning red. Sarah I just wanted to warm up some milk for you Im so useless just a worthless cripple

His speech was slurred, drool trickling from the corner of his mouth. Combined with his trembling hands and despairing eyes, he was the perfect picture of an ALS patient ravaged by years of illness.

I suddenly remembered that before his diagnosis, Marcus had been a notorious neat freak. This was a man who polished his sidearm three times a day, who couldnt tolerate a single wrinkle in his uniform. Yet for Elsie, he had kept up this pathetic, painful charade for five full years.

In that moment, I wanted to cut open his chest and see if his heart was made of stone.

Seeing my silence, his shoulders slumped. Sarah are you disgusted by me? Just go leave me here

I walked over without a word, righted his wheelchair, and helped him into it. Then I got a bowl of warm water and began to clean his face.

He suddenly grabbed my wrist, his eyes falling on my torn and bloody palm. What happened? Who did this to you?

I stared into the fake concern in his eyes. Someone who looked a lot like you.

His jaw tightened. At the Astoria Grand.

I smiled again. But I know it wasnt you. My uncle would never lie to me. Right?

His gaze flickered away. Of course not. Sarah, youre the most important person in the world to me. I would never lie to you.

I fought back the burning sensation in my eyes and wheeled him out of the kitchen.

After I made dinner and brought it to the table, the living room was empty. The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and I could hear his hushed voice on the phone. Be good, Elsie. Uncle has a big surprise for you tomorrow. Well celebrate your birthday properly.

On the other end, Elsies voice was sweet. But tomorrow its Sarahs birthday too. If youre not with her, wont she be sad?

Silly girl. Youre my most precious treasure. Sarah stopped celebrating her birthday years ago. Shes used to it.

Elsie cheered. I knew you loved me best!

I stood at the door for a long time. Finally, I untied my apron in silence and left.

When Marcus wheeled himself out, the apartment was empty. On the table sat a bowl of noodle soup and a single, foil-wrapped imported pill. He was used to me being gone by this time, working my night shift.

But an image of my deathly pale face, my mangled hand, and my impossibly thin frame flashed through his mind. A sudden, inexplicable panic seized his heart. He grabbed his phone and quickly dialed a number.

The next day, we were at the military hospital for a check-up.

My uncles doctor was ecstatic. Ms. Jenkins! A research institute in the Capital has a new experimental drug with incredible results for ALS! I managed to get General Redmond a spot in the trial!

Compared to his excitement, my voice was flat. What are the chances of a full recovery?

Over eighty percent!

Marcus played his part perfectly, his eyes welling with tears. Sarah I can get better I can stay with you

I forced a faint smile. If only one of us could live, Uncle, no matter what, I would always want it to be you.

He froze, his brow furrowed. What are you talking about? Were both going to be fine. When I recover and return to the service, youll go back to being the Commands proudest sniper

But that pride I didnt want it anymore.

And I didnt want him anymore, either.

The doctor asked me to leave the office, claiming the examination process was complex. I knew it was just an excuse to get me out of the room.

I stood around the corner of the hallway and watched as my uncle quickly changed out of his patient gown and walked, steady and strong, into the elevator. Down below, the familiar black military sedan was already waiting.

I quietly looked away and walked into another clinic at the end of the hall.

Sarah, the tumor in your brain has already pressed against major nerves. Its inoperable now. The doctors sigh was heavy. If you had come in two weeks ago there might have been a chance. You have maybe a couple of days. Go say your goodbyes to your family.

I sat there in silence for a long time before slowly nodding. After I die, please have me cremated. The ashes please deliver them to the Westwood military base housing, to General Marcus Redmond.

I left what little money I had and walked out of the hospital. My phone lit up with a new text message.

You should come see the house on base.

The sender was Elsie.

I hailed a cab and went to Westwood.

The single-family house on the base, which I thought had been sold off years ago, was now ablaze with light, decorated like a fairytale castle. It was filled with guests, a glittering party in full swing.

Elsie, wearing a diamond tiara and a white designer gown, clung tightly to my uncles arm. They stood surrounded by well-wishers in front of a six-tiered cake.

She clasped her hands together, her voice saccharine. My wish is to be the only little princess in my uncles heart, forever and ever.

Marcus smiled and pulled a small, dark blue velvet box from his uniform pocket.

The moment he opened it, all the blood in my body turned to ice. It was a sapphire locket.

It was a Redmond family heirloom, passed down through generations, only to the women who married into the family.

On my eighteenth birthday, my uncle had placed it in my palm. Sarah, whether you accept me as more than your guardian or not, you will always be my most precious princess.

I once valued it more than my own life. Even in our darkest times, I protected it fiercely.

Now, that same sapphire locket, its chain shortened and its back engraved with a new name, Elsie, was being fastened around her delicate neck.

As the crowd applauded, Marcuss voice was full of warmth. My little princess, congratulations. Your wish came true.

I dont know how I managed to walk away from that blindingly bright scene. My phone buzzed relentlessly in my pocket.

I recognized you at the hotel, you know, sis.

See? The locket is mine, and so is Uncle.

Youre like a stray dog nobody wants. So pathetic.

Your life is such a failure. Why dont you just die? ;)

Oh, by the way, I had Uncle prepare a special birthday present for you. I hope you enjoy it.

I wandered the cold streets like a ghost for the rest of the day. As night fell, I returned to the old, crumbling apartment building we lived in.

And then I understood what Elsies present was.

The door was wide open. The inside of the apartment looked like it had been hit by a tornado.

Marcus was on the floor, his hands tied behind his back, his new uniform covered in dust. He struggled against his captors, the veins in his neck bulging.

Well, well, long time no see, kid, the leader said, a toothpick dangling from his lips. Time to pay up for the month, isnt it?

My face went white. But I already paid off all the debts.

Paid off? The man sneered, grinding his boot into my uncles back. I say you havent, so you havent. What, you dont want to pay? Then lets see how many whacks with a pipe your precious uncle can take.

Sarah dont worry about me! Run! Just run! Let them kill me Im just a worthless cripple anyway

The exact same words. I had heard them countless times over the past five years.

I closed my eyes, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. They had staged this debt collection so many times, yet they had never truly harmed my uncle. But I, in my desperation to protect this liar, had suffered broken ribs, a crippled leg, and had given almost everything I had.

The taste of rust filled my throat again. My voice was a hoarse whisper. What what do you want?

The man looked me up and down, his eyes filled with contempt. Youre going to crawl through each of our legs. For each one, you bark like a dog three times. Well call todays payment our entertainment fee.

No! Sarah! You cant! my uncle roared, his eyes red as he struggled to get up, only to be shoved back down.

I gave a numb, empty smile. The last tiny flicker of hope inside me sputtered and died.

Fine, I heard myself say, my voice terrifyingly calm. If this is what you want, then were even.

The words were meant for the thugs, but my uncles head snapped up, a flash of genuine panic in his eyes. But then he remembered his promise to Elsie. This was the last lesson. As soon as Sarah got through this, he would take her home and spend the rest of his life making it up to her. He had a lifetime to fix this.

So he looked away. And as he struggled, he secretly activated the micro-camera hidden in his cuff, recording the image of me kneeling before those men.

He sent the video.

The men left.

I lay on the floor for a long time before I found the strength to stand.

Marcus crawled over, his eyes red. He opened his mouth to deliver another pitiful line, but when he saw the dead, empty look in my eyes, the words died in his throat.

The next day, a medical team arrived to take my uncle to the Capital for his miracle drug treatment.

Before he got in the car, he clutched my hand tightly, looking back every few steps. Sarah, wait for me to come back. I promise, Ill get you your sniper rifle back. Youll be the pride of the Command again. Ill never let anyone bully you again.

I smiled but didnt answer. I just watched quietly as the car disappeared down the street.

Then, I doubled over, clamping a hand over my mouth as blood poured through my fingers.

The doctor had said that when the tumor ruptured, it would be the end.

It was strange.

In that final moment, as I fell, I felt no fear. My mind was flooded with scattered, warm memories from a lifetime ago.

Uncle Marcus, taking me home from the cold military cemetery, clumsily trying to braid my hair.

Me, missing my first shot on the rifle range, and him scolding me with a stern face, only to secretly slip a piece of candy into my pocket later.

Me, delirious with a high fever, and him sitting by my bedside all night, holding my hand and whispering over and over, Dont be scared, Sarah. Uncles here.

He had said, My Sarah deserves the very best the world has to offer.

A warm liquid slid down my cheek.

With a trembling, blood-stained finger, I opened my phone. Using the last of my strength, I typed out a message, one word at a time.

Uncle, Im not waiting anymore.

This life Im giving it back. To repay the Redmond family for raising me, and to pay for Elsies pain. Please bury me next to my parents.

The message sent.

I closed my eyes, my strength gone.

And on the floor beside me, the phone began to vibrate, a frantic, desperate buzz against the cold linoleum.