A pause. Then, cruelly: "Besides, it would be good if she suffered some aftereffects. Maybe pain will teach her how to be a good older sister."
"First the accident years ago, and now this? Michelle is getting worse every time."
Mom spoke through clenched teeth. "If she keeps acting out like this, she might as well just die. Donate her body; at least then she'd make a contribution to society!"
I stood frozen.
It wasn't until their car disappeared from the hospital driveway that I finally came back to my senses.
So, they hated me that much.
A bitter smile twisted my lips. *Dad, Mom, you'll get your wish soon enough.*
I stood there blankly for a long moment before turning toward the administration desk to sign the body donation agreement.
As I turned to leave, an emergency nurse ran after me. "Excuse me? Michelle Fox? Your emergency fees haven't been settled."
I paid the bill. My remaining balance: eighty cents.
The countdown had already ticked past one hour and forty-five minutes.
*What should I do with my remaining time?*
Before I could form a plan, my stomach growled. Loud. Insistent. Across the street, a breakfast stall. The cheapest vegetarian bun was one dollar.
I had eighty cents.