Part 1Second Chances and Stolen Lives: The Brother I Didn't Deserve

My brother hated me for ten years.

The last time we fought, I left town alone and was caught in an unexpected earthquake.

Just as a hotel chandelier was about to crush me, my brother suddenly appeared, shielding me with his body.

“Sunny, run! Don’t look back!”

The chandelier crashed down, snapping his spine. Yet, he smiled at me, a look of profound relief on his face.

“Mom and Dad’s last wish—that I take care of you—I finally fulfilled it.”

“If there’s a next life, I hope you stay far away from our family.”

I was held back, forced to watch as my brother was completely buried under the rubble.

That night, having lost the last person related to me, I jumped into the river without hesitation.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I was found.

I saw my brother waiting outside the police station. I walked toward him, brushed past him, and called out to a boy behind him: “Brother.”

…

“You don’t remember anything at all?”

The female officer looked at me, pen in hand, determined not to miss a detail.

“Try to think. Like your last name, where you lived, or who was in your family?”

“You were seven or eight when you were kidnapped. You should have some memories.”

I lowered my eyes, speaking slowly.

“I was constantly beaten there. Once, I was hit on the head and passed out. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember much.”

The officer’s eyes filled with sympathy.

She put down her pen. “It’s okay. If you remember anything later, you can call us anytime.”

I walked out of the station, heading toward the temporary shelter they arranged for me.

Then, I saw a familiar figure rushing over.

My brother?

My heart clenched.

In the last life, the police contacted the Green family, and Zack Green reluctantly came to pick me up.

Why was he here already?

Zack saw me, his eyes lighting up. He rushed over in three quick steps.

I was about to speak, but he beat me to it.

“I’m warning you, don’t try to claim any relation. The Green family already has a daughter.”

I understood instantly.

Zack had been reborn, too. No wonder…

He was afraid I would go back and claim my identity, so he rushed here to stop me.

My heart ached, but I looked up, feigning confusion.

“Who are you? What are you talking about, the Green family?”

Zack looked at me with suspicion.

“What trick are you pulling now?”

I pointed to my head and said matter-of-factly,

“I really don’t know you. I hurt my head before, and I can’t remember much.”

Hearing about my injury, a flicker of guilt crossed Zack’s eyes, but it vanished instantly.

“I don’t care if you’re faking or not. Just know this: the Green family is not the place for you.”

He paused, then continued.

“Even though we’re strangers, I’ll give you some money and find you an apartment until you turn eighteen. Just don’t run your mouth to the police or bother my family.”

I shook my head.

“Thank you, but I don’t need it.”

Ignoring his stunned look, I got into the car the police arranged for me.

I thought about Zack’s final moments, smiling as he said he could finally reunite with Mom, Dad, and his sister.

My heart was heavy and bitter.

He saved my life at the cost of his own.

But in his heart, his sister was someone else...

If their family of four was happy without me,

then let them remain happy in this life, too.