The Final Birthday Present to My Mom

Synopsis

My sister is in the hospital again, all because I opened a window to let some air in. Mom is yelling at me outside the hospital ward: “I never should have taken you back! Your grandmother didn’t raise you right. You only came back to bully your sister! If Chloe gets sick, you won't live either!” Late at night, the house is completely still. A man dressed in black walks straight through the wall and heads for my sister’s bedside. “Chloe, your time is up. Come with me.” Chloe was sound asleep, but I was wide awake. I scrambled up from my spot on the floor, blocking his path to her bed. “You’ve got the wrong person. The one in bed is my older sister. I’m Chloe Johnson.” I glanced back at mom, who was still asleep, a frown etched on her face even in her dreams. Maybe she’d be happier without me. I looked at the man in black. “I’ll go with you. But can you give me three days? I want to celebrate Mom’s birthday.” The man in black paused. “You’re willing to die in your sister’s place?” I didn't hesitate, nodding hard. I looked back at Chloe in the hospital bed. Her face looked a little rosier, and even in her sleep, a faint smile touched her lips. Mom had told her three fairy tales before bedtime. As for me, I was curled up on the cold floor, not even daring to pull a corner of the