The Broken Heart

I was born as my sister Pearl’s personal blood donor. Like Pearl's shadow, while everyone adored her, I was invisible. Even my boyfriend Dominic was only with me so I’d willingly give Pearl blood. At eighteen, I decide to change everything. I secretly join the Marines, leaving the whole family in deep regret."

The Broken Heart

I was born as my sister Pearl’s personal blood donor. Like Pearl's shadow, while everyone adored her, I was invisible. Even my boyfriend Dominic was only with me so I’d willingly give Pearl blood. At eighteen, I decide to change everything. I secretly join the Marines, leaving the whole family in deep regret."

The needle slides into my arm for the hundredth time, but this time, I yank it out before the drip starts. Blood sprays across the white sheets. Mom screams. Pearl stares, pale and stunned, like I’ve betrayed the natural order. \n\nI don’t look back as I pack my duffel. My Marine Corps acceptance letter is tucked under my mattress—signed, sealed, and undetected. At the bus station, I watch the sunrise over the town that never saw me. My phone buzzes: Where are you? Pearl needs you. \n\nI type one message: Not anymore. Then I board the bus, heart pounding, knowing they’ll come for me. Knowing I have to disappear completely.