1
My nephew was diagnosed with leukemia, and my daughter was the only one in the family who could save him.
To save the only male heir, the only one to carry on their precious family name, my in-laws forced my frail daughter to donate her bone marrow.
In the end, my brother-in-law's son lived.
My daughter died on the operating table.
Lost in a haze of grief, I clutched her cold, lifeless body and threw myself from the 18th floor.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back. Three days before my nephews diagnosis was even known.

In my first life, when my nephew, Ted, was diagnosed with leukemia, my daughter, Amy, was the only match.
But Amy had been sickly since birth. The doctors explicitly advised against the donation.
To protect the familys golden boy, they all insisted.
They drugged me, knocked me unconscious, and dragged my little girl to the operating room.
When I came to, the whole family was celebrating. Teds transplant was a success.
And my Amy my Amy was lying in the room next door, her small body still and cold.
My father- and mother-in-law looked at me with faces full of false sympathy.
Dont blame us, Lily, my mother-in-law had said, her voice cloying. If it had been Amy with leukemia, we would have made Ted donate for her, of course.
She just wasnt strong enough to survive, my father-in-law added with a sigh. It was her fate. She was just unlucky.
I was drowning in a sea of rage and despair, screaming for justice for my daughter. But they all pointed their fingers at me, calling me hysterical, irrational. Even my husband, Mark, stood by silently, his face a mask of indifference.
Utterly broken, I carried Amys body to the highest floor and leaped.
I never expected to open my eyes again. But here I am, three days before it all began.
Mommy? Why are you crying?
A small voice pulled me back to reality.
Was it because I kicked off the blankets last night? Are you mad at me?
I turned, my vision blurred with tears. My daughter, Amy, fresh from her nap, was looking up at me with wide, worried eyes. She was only seven, but her gaze held a wisdom that broke my heart.
A fresh wave of grief and love washed over me. I pulled her into a fierce embrace, burying my face in her soft hair.
This time, Mommy wont let anyone hurt you. I swear it.
I packed a bag, and the first thing I did was drive Amy to my mothers house. Later that afternoon, when I knew Mark would be off work, I called him.
Mark, I began, my voice thick with feigned anguish. I took Amy for a check-up today The doctor said he said she has leukemia.
I let a sob escape my lips.
Last time, you all said youd make Ted donate if Amy were the sick one, didnt you?
Lets see how you react to the news now.
After hanging up, I drove home alone. When I walked in, my in-laws were fawning over Ted, the picture of domestic bliss. My arrival shattered the cozy atmosphere. The smiles vanished from their faces, replaced by annoyance.
Before I could even step fully inside, my mother-in-law rushed forward.
Mark already told us about Amy, she said, her tone sharp and devoid of any sympathy.
We heard that even if you treat this disease, shell be on medication for life. So, weve discussed it, and weve decided its better not to treat it.
Besides, my father-in-law chimed in, not even looking at me, you know our financial situation. We just enrolled Ted in that expensive advanced STEM camp. Theres simply no extra money for Amys medical bills.
If you insist on treating her, my mother-in-law finished, youll have to get the money from your own family.
One by one, they all nodded in agreement, sighing about Amys terrible luck, her unfortunate fate.

2
Their callousness didnt surprise me. I kept up my act, my voice trembling with a desperate plea. Mom, Dad my family will cover the costs. But the doctor said she needs a bone marrow transplant. The success rate is highest with a close relative. I came back to ask if Ted if he could just get tested to see if hes a match.
The air in the living room went still.
Are you trying to ruin your nephew? my father-in-law slammed his hand on the table, his voice a low growl. Ted is our precious grandson! I will not allow anyone or anything to harm him!
Thats right! my mother-in-law shrieked, as if Id suggested feeding her grandson to snakes. She threw a dish on the floor, where it shattered. Ted is your nephew! How can you be so heartless?
The hypocrisy was so thick I could taste it. When their grandson gets sick, theyre willing to sacrifice their granddaughter. But when their granddaughter is the one dying, they wont even spare a dime.
I let my shoulders slump in pretend defeat. But Mom, Dad Amy is your granddaughter too. Can you really just stand by and watch her die?
Seeing my agitation, Mark pulled me aside. Theyre right, Lily, he whispered, refusing to meet my eyes. Its not our fault shes sick. If if she doesnt make it, we can always have another kid. Maybe a boy next time.
Even though I thought I was prepared for anything, hearing those words from her own father felt like a physical blow.
Fine, I said, my voice flat and cold. I understand.
You wont save her. So I will.
I turned and walked out, leaving them all standing there in stunned silence.