"Security! Get this crazy woman out of here! She's trying to sabotage medical equipment!"
Despite my desperate attempts to explain, the security guards still hauled me back to my mother's room. She was barely conscious, gripping my hand with what little strength she had left.
"Emily, don't waste your time looking for your brother. I'm not going to make it. Let's just go home."
Tears welled up in my eyes instantly. I tried to keep my voice steady as I reassured her, "We can't give up now! I'll find a doctor and get another ventilator!"
I said this, but deep down, I knew I was running out of money. I gritted my teeth and asked the doctor if we could get another ventilator.
The doctor shook his head in frustration. "Mr. Johnson's patient only has breathing issues from obesity. They don't need a ventilator!"
I was stunned. How could James take the ventilator meant for our mother and give it to his "Second Mom," Sophia?
I couldn't bear to tell my mother the truth, so I just told her the ventilator would be arriving soon. But my perceptive mother figured it out. "Emily, I know your brother did this on purpose. He still hasn't forgiven me. It's alright."