My Brother Became a Vegetable To Save Me Novel by NANCY ROWSE

“I…” Melissa stammered, unable to find the words. Suddenly, she raised her phone as if grasping at a lifeline, sobbing, “My baby is gone–it was Catherine! She bribed the hospital staff and caused my child’s death.”

Displayed on her phone were the words of a private investigator, along with evidence of funds I had transferred, and even a handwritten apology letter from the nurse caught in the act.

Anyone with half a brain wouldn’t believe such a flimsy story. But Joseph, when it came to Melissa, was hopelessly naive. He would do anything to protect this fragile woman.

In the past, Joseph would have confronted me with these baseless accusations, demanding answers. We’d argue, and only after a heated exchange would he let it go.

But now, I’m dead. I’m just a memory.

“Did her soul arrange it?” Joseph arched an eyebrow, seemingly amused.

Melissa looked at him, confused, not understanding his words.

“Catherine is dead. She’s been dead for a long time.” Joseph’s voice was calm, unnervingly so.

But Melissa was anything but calm. Her face, once composed, now showed ripples of panic. The bank transfer records were dated three days ago. I’ve been dead for far longer than that.

“What else have you lied to me about?” Joseph’s voice, though restrained, carried a simmering rage. He clenched his teeth, pulling Melissa’s hand hard, ignoring the fact that he had just undergone surgery.

“You killed her!” Joseph spat out the words, his tone accusatory. Melissa, frantic, shook her head, as if by doing so, she could absolve herself of the blame.

“If you caused her death, then you should pay the price!”

“But wasn’t it your distrust that led to her death? You never loved her. If you did, why were you always with me?” Melissa found her voice at last, loudly retorting.

Watching the two of them tear into each other, I found it strangely amusing to me.