Saving Her Would Have Killed Me

On the third day of the nationwide livestream, I became the person everyone wanted to strangle with their own hands.

Paralyzed in a wheelchair, I watched my sister work three jobs a day until her kidneys failedyet I offered not a single word of concern.

When she collapsed on the floor, I didnt call an ambulance. Instead, I transferred my last savings to my gambling-addicted brother.

The doctor said that if I donated one kidney, her life could be saved.

I only smiled and replied,

No.

They called me a monster who drained my sister dry over a lifetime.

But no one knew that I did all this because

Her being alive was more dangerous than her death.

As soon as the hidden cameras were installed, the secret livestream began.

Vanessa, my sister, walked in after work, sporting heavy dark circles under her eyes.

She dragged herself to my bedside, preparing to help me clean up.

Seeing a mess beneath me, there wasnt a flicker of disgust in her eyes, only profound heartache and self-reproach.

Lauren, did you have an upset stomach last night?

She touched my forehead, blaming herself.

Im so sorry. Its all my fault; Ive been so exhausted from work lately that I slept like a rock. I forgot to check on you in the middle of the night and keep your blanket on, leaving you uncomfortable all night

I watched her silently, not speaking.

The live chat, however, exploded:

My God, this sister is incredible! She just got home from work, saw this total mess, and her first reaction was to blame herself.

Right? If Id worked all day and came home to that, Id be fuming!

She really is a saint; shes making me tear up!

Vanessa didnt know about the hidden livestream. She just single-handedly turned me over, preparing to help me to the bathroom for a shower.

But she was too tired.

Even with all her strength, she struggled to lift me from the bed.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Vanessa opened it to find my brother, Brandon, standing there. Her eyes widened in surprise.

What are you doing here?

Brandon had a cigarette dangling from his lips. He said nonchalantly,

If Im not mistaken, this apartment is the one Mom and Dad signed over to Lauren, right? As Laurens brother, theres no big deal if I stay at my sisters place for a few days, is there?

With that, he just barged in.

Vanessa was too exhausted to argue after a long day, so she just told Brandon,

Then lend me a hand and help me get Lauren to the bathroom. I need to give her a shower!

Brandon shot me a disgusted glance, muttering,

Thats sickening, she reeks. No way am I touching her!

Vanessa frowned.

Brandon! Lauren is your own sister! She just gave you all the lottery money she won. How can you refuse to even help her?

Brandon scoffed.

She gave me the money willingly. Youre not trying to guilt-trip me, are you?

Vanessa sighed.

I respect all of Laurens decisions. She gave you all her winnings because she wanted you and your wife to live well.

Shes so good to you; cant you be a little good to her?

Brandon sneered.

Whats the point of being good to her? Shes just a paralyzed invalid, a waste of space for a decade!

I dont know why you bother taking care of this useless person every day. Shed be better off dead!

At this sight, the live chat instantly boiled over:

Seriously? Is this guy even human? Wishing his own sister dead right to her face?

And his sister just handed him all that money!

I seriously dont get it. Her sister slaved for a decade taking care of her, went deep into debt, even lost her marriage, and got absolutely nothing in return! Is this sister out of her mind?!

Shes ungrateful to such an amazing sister but so good to this heartless animal of a brother? Did the paralysis affect her brain too?!

Brandon didnt help in the end.

It took Vanessa over an hour to clean me up.

She was drenched in sweat from exhaustion, but she still meticulously changed my clothes, settling me into my wheelchair.

Lauren, you must be hungry, right? Sister will go make you dinner now.

Due to extreme fatigue, Vanessa almost fainted when she stood up.

But she only paused for a few seconds before forcing herself to walk into the kitchen.

Soon, she brought out grilled salmon, a rich beef stew, some steamed greens, and a pot of steaming chicken soup.

Vanessa placed the dishes in front of me, then carefully blew on a spoonful of chicken soup to cool it before bringing it to my lips.

Lauren, this chicken soup was made from a free-range chicken I specifically bought from the local farmers market. You always loved this when you were a kid, try some.

I turned my head, my voice cold.

I dont want to eat.

Vanessas eyes were filled with worry.

Lauren, you already had an upset stomach. If you dont eat something to replenish your strength, your body wont be able to take it.

I looked at her, my tone still distant.

I dont have an appetite.

Then, I looked at Brandon, who was sprawled on the couch playing on his phone, and said softly,

Brandon, I want that pastry on the coffee table.

Brandon didnt even look up, saying impatiently,

I bought that for myself. If you want it, push your wheelchair and go buy your own!

Vanessa glared at Brandon, then turned to me, her voice gentle.

Lauren, eat your dinner first. After that, Ill go buy you a pastry, okay?

I stubbornly shook my head, refusing to eat the food she made.

At this sight, the live chat exploded:

Is this sister crazy? Refusing her sisters home-cooked meal, but demanding her brothers pastry?

I thought she was just confused, but shes so utterly pathetic. Her brother treated her like that, and shes still fixated on his stuff?

Poor sister, shes putting in so much thankless effort. She worked so hard to make a whole table of food, and Lauren wont even look at it.

Thats disgusting. The more I watch, the more I think this younger sister is such a terrible person!

The first day of the livestream ended.

The chat was filled with insults directed at me.

On the second day, Vanessa got off work a little earlier than usual.

As she came in, she held a warm bag in her hand.

Lauren, you wanted a pastry yesterday, right? Sister bought it specifically after work. Its your favorite savory kind, try it quickly.

She handed the pastry to me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

I glanced at the pastry, my tone indifferent.

I dont want it now.

A flicker of disappointment and sadness crossed Vanessas face.

But she forced a smile and said,

What do you want to eat then? Sister will make it for you.

I shot her a cold look.

I dont want anything you make.

With that, I maneuvered my wheelchair, ready to go to the balcony for some fresh air.

As I exited my room, I bumped straight into Brandon, who was holding a liquor bottle.

The bottle in his hand fell to the floor, and he immediately exploded in rage.

Damn it, are you blind?! You just spilled all my expensive liquor!

He picked up the bottle and forcefully kicked my wheelchair.

The wheelchair lurched violently, tipping to one side.

Lauren!

Vanessa cried out, rushing forward, shielding me and the wheelchair with her body.

Her hand was scraped by the wheelchair, leaving a deep gash, visible to the bone, bleeding profusely.

But she ignored the pain, quickly steadying me before turning to Brandon, shaken and furious.

Brandon! You almost hurt Lauren!

Brandon glared at me.

Shes useless; she cant even feel pain. Why are you so worked up?

This is so annoying! All that good liquor wasted because of her!

Brandon grumbled as he stomped back into his room to continue drinking.

Vanessa, still shaken, first checked me all over to make sure I was okay.

Only after confirming I was unharmed did she endure the pain in her hand to inspect the kicked wheelchair.

Finding a buckle somewhat loose, she immediately pulled out her toolbox.

She tightened and reinforced it little by little, working late into the night.

In the livestream, the comments continued to boil over:

Im crying. Where can you find a sister this good? Her hand is so badly injured, yet all she cares about is her sister.

Seriously, why is this amazing sister so unlucky to be stuck with such a blind, heartless invalid of a sister?

Exactly! Is this sisters heart made of stone? Her sister has done so much for her, why is she so cold to her?!

No wonder they say unfortunate people often have something hateful about them. This sister is so hopelessly biased towards her brother, she deserves to be paralyzed!

This is so suffocating. Sister, just let go! This kind of sister isnt worth it!

The livestream chat was filled with outrage. Even Mr. Henderson, the reporter, called me.

Is this the three-day secret livestream you wanted? Do you know what the chat has been saying about you these past two days?

Your sister has done so much for you. Arent you just asking to be hated?

I glanced at Vanessa, who was quietly tending to her wound in the living room, and said calmly,

Theres one last day.

Then youll know everything.

On the third morning, Vanessa, as usual, came into my room as soon as she woke up.

Lauren, how are you feeling today? Is your appetite any better?

She expertly checked my condition while asking softly.

I didnt answer, only glanced indifferently at her bandaged hand.

It was still oozing blood.

Seeing me silent, Vanessa, as always, massaged my limbs.

She moved my joints, preventing muscle atrophy.

Her movements were gentle, as if she were tending to a precious treasure.

Lauren, look how nice the weather is today.

After breakfast, Ill push you outside to get some sun. The doctor said outdoor activities are good for your health.

She looked out the window, trying to find topics of conversation.

But I remained cold.

No thanks.

Her hand paused slightly, and she said nothing more.

After the massage, she fetched warm water, meticulously washed my face and hands, then made me breakfast.

The livestream comments continued to scroll:

This sister is still being her same stubborn, lifeless act today. Its infuriating.

Exactly! Her sisters hand is so badly injured, and she still has to take care of her. Does she not even offer a word of concern?

Honestly disgusting. Some people just dont deserve kindness!

That day, Vanessa didnt go to work.

She said she wanted to spend quality time with me.

After finishing everything, she pushed me to the balcony to get some sun.

She combed my hair, trimmed my nails, and cleaned my ears.

She made sure every inch of me was clean and tidy.

After all the chores, she pulled a small stool and sat beside me.

Gripping my hand tightly, she began to speak softly.

Lauren, do you remember? When we were little, you loved to pull me onto the balcony to sunbathe. You said the sun always made you feel better.

On my wedding day, you cried so much, clinging to my hand and refusing to let go.

You once said your biggest wish was for me to be happy

As she spoke, her eyes welled up.

Just then, her phone rang.

But she didnt answer. Instead, she gave me a deep look, then hung up.

Then, she looked at me, a faint smile on her face.

Lauren, its time.

I smiled faintly.

This moment, it was finally here.

With that, Vanessa straightened up, gave me a cryptic look.

And then she did something that stunned every single viewer watching the livestream