Chapter 1

I was an unexpected child, born to parents who were already past their prime.

When I was four, my parents passed away. From then on, I was nothing but a burden to my brother, Michael Lane, who was ten years older than me.

He hated me. But still, he'd carry me on his back while making meals, and carry me on his back to school and back home. He became the joke of kids his age.

He was an outstanding student, but he dropped out before his senior year of high school in order to support me.

With only a modest education, he was doomed to dreary jobs and a future devoid of hope.

He endured it for ten years.

At twenty-four, with a low fever, he oversalted the dish by half a spoon. I took a bite and threw down my fork. He finally exploded and sued me.

From my seat in court, I saw his eyes, young but aged beyond his years, rimmed with red.

His voice cracked, raw and desperate. "I'd rather go to prison than live one more day like a frog slowly boiling to death."

The jury was deadlocked.

I spoke up and said I'd go to the Children's Home, so that was what they decided.

As we left the courtroom, Michael quickened his pace, as if he was scared I'd chase after him again.

I slipped the diagnosis into my pocket and ran after him.

The school had handed out the end-of-term prizes. I sold mine and got 25 dollars for it.

I looked down, careful and uneasy, as I slipped the stack of bills into his rough, calloused hands. I murmured, "Tomorrow it's your birthday. Buy yourself a cake."

Outside the courthouse, the summer sun in Summerville was so intense that it made my head spin.

Michael's hand trembled suddenly when I pressed the money into his palm. But in the next instant, he jerked his hand away, his face twisted with anger.

The crumpled bills fluttered to the ground. I saw the hatred and wariness I knew all too well in his eyes.

"Evelyn, I don't need your money," he snapped. But I'd seen it with my own eyes last night.

He'd emptied out every last cent from his wallet to scrape together 30 thousand dollars and sent it straight to the Children's Home.

All of it went to James Warren, the director of the Children's Home, covering everything I'd need until I turned eighteen.

That was the only reason why the Children's Home agreed to take me in when we were in court.

He was so desperate to send me away that he gave the Children's Home every penny he had worked himself to death to earn.

Not yet satisfied, he bit out each word. "I'm not your brother anymore. Don't ever come looking for me again."

I looked up.

In the flickering sunlight, I noticed a streak of gray at his head.

He was only twenty-four, but his hair was already going gray.

I clenched the hem of my shirt, lowered my eyes, and said, "Yeah, I know."

When I looked up again, his figure was already fading into the distance.

The work jacket he wore had been washed so many times that its color had drained away. The wind made it billow, as if the jacket was now too big for him.

I suddenly thought, 'I might not be around to see what the future holds. He is a good brother, so I hope that when I'm no longer around, he could finally get a better future.'

James said coldly beside me. "Come on, let's go to the Children's Home."

I pulled my small suitcase and followed him into the minivan.

On the way, James couldn't help but grumble. "You're only fourteen. Four more years till you turn eighteen.

"30 thousand dollars won't come close to covering everything, like food, clothes, school stuff, you name it.

"If the money runs out, he'll have no choice but to take you back."

I clenched my hands in panic and said quickly, "It'll be enough."

I knew for sure Michael would never take me back.

He'd been waiting ten years for this day to finally send me away.

James's face darkened. "What are you trying to say? You think I'd steal your money?

"The Children's Home doesn't owe you anything. You've got someone to look after you. I'm telling it like it is."

I lowered my eyes, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I'll do my best to spend less, and I'll try to earn my own money. Please don't go to my brother anymore."

Besides, I wouldn't need four years' worth of money.