Chapter 2
"I'm sick of this act. That miserable look on your face, day in and day out. If you had just tried to be more like Claire, cheerful and lively, these years wouldn't have been so hard on us."
He seemed to have been holding it in for a long time, letting out a heavy breath afterward.
But Dad, I had your stomach cancer and Mom's lung cancer. However strong I tried to be, I couldn't just paste on a cheerful, carefree smile.
Seeing my silence, my mother's frown deepened. She gave me a shove. "Well? Is it yes or no? Have you lost your tongue?"
She forgot how the chemo had withered me to skin and bones. That light push sent me crashing to the floor.
As I lay there grimacing in pain, their faces showed only impatient anger.
In that moment, the last of my hope for them shattered. "Fine. Have it your way."
The System's final prompt echoed.
"Upon termination, the cancers originally belonging to Connor Simpson and Madeline Simpson will be returned. Please confirm."
My father frowned. "What? The cancer comes back to us? If Audrey's willing, just leave it with her."
"I am not willing," I shot back instantly.
If I'm honest, I'd had regrets over the years.
But today, their words sealed my decision.
I didn't want to carry their burden anymore. I wanted my own life back.
I watched them nervously, afraid they'd change their minds.
Fortunately, my mother didn't even look at me. She turned to my father's darkened expression. "Audrey had it for years, and she was fine. Medicine is so advanced now, a little illness like this is nothing.
"And think how much we owe Claire. Can you bear to leave her out there all alone?"
Finally, they made their choice and confirmed.
This time, I could have sworn I heard a hint of mockery in the System's voice.
"Termination successful. Corresponding symptoms will manifest fully within 72 hours.
"You are the first users to terminate for this reason. Please enjoy it."
In an instant, a tremendous weight lifted. I felt a flow of energy I hadn't known in years. My health was back.
My parents exchanged a glance, smiles spreading across their faces as they thought of something, and they hurried out the door.
I slowly got to my feet, my eyes cold as I watched them leave.
This time, you can fully savor the taste of the pain you gave me.
When I got home, my husband Wesley had prepared a table full of food.
Seeing the healthy color in my cheeks, he broke into a wide, happy grin. "Sweetheart, you look fantastic. Whatever happened today? You're glowing compared to this morning."
Our daughter Anna piled food onto my plate. "Enjoy it, Mommy. Then you'll get super strong."
Three years ago, when my parents were drowning in self-pity and I chose to bind the system, Wesley wasn't angry. He was heartbroken for me, but so proud.
During my darkest, most painful days, he was my rock, encouraging me, never leaving my side.
Anna never complained about my divided attention, only became more thoughtful.
My heart swelled with warmth, and I told them everything that had happened.
Shock and sheer joy washed over Wesley's face. He pulled me into a tight embrace. "It's over. They never deserved your sacrifice. From now on, that burden is gone."
Anna, understanding enough, celebrated with us.
"Yay. Does this mean no more yucky medicine and no more hospitals for Mommy?"
My eyes welled up as I nodded firmly.
The old me carried my parents' sickness. From now on, I live for myself.
The next day, scrolling through my phone, I saw my parents' post.