[ WP ] The soul is treated like any other human organ . You 're on the list for a transplant .

`` Relax,'' Papa said. `` It's not going to hurt.'' 
 
 Beside him, a girl with long lanky hair appeared. It was Majorie, my sister. 
 
 `` She wo n't,'' Marjorie chipped in. `` She's too much of a scaredy cat.'' 
 
 I flushed. Majorie was being mean as usual but she was also right. I AM a scaredy cat but all that would change. Papa promised he would fix it. 
 
 Mama did n't come with us to the hospital. She did n't like the doctors it seemed. At least, that was what I heard them taking about last night. I felt a little bit sad that Mama did not want me to have the operation at first. Then luckily Papa convinced her. 
 
 I was n't brave or clever like Majorie was. I had no dreams and never knew what I ever wanted to be. I was useless as Papa said countless of times. But after the operation, I'd be different. I knew it. I did n't want to be a burden especially to Mama and Papa. 
 
 `` This is the place?'' Papa asked as the three of us stood in front of a large hall. 
 
 `` S-o-u.. Soulogy,'' Majorie said. `` Yes Papa, this is it.'' 
 
 `` My, what a blessing you are, Madjya. What would I do without you?'' 
 
 I did n't know why but Papa praising Majorie that way always made me conscious of myself. Papa never seemed to need me like he needed her. I was the one who needed him and Mama all the time. 
 
 `` There, Papa,'' Majorie said pointing at a lady dressed in white. That must be the nurses I read about. It was the first time I'd ever seen a real one. 
 
 As Papa went over to talk to the lady, Majorie came to my side and glared at me for a full whole second. 
 
 `` You still do n't get it, do you?'' she said, impatiently. `` You really really do n't.'' 
 
 She was so tall and commanding. I could feel nothing but respect for my older sister. I also felt it inappropriate to answer her since that would be taking back so I just lowered my head. 
 
 `` Idiot.'' 
 
 It seemed Majorie was angry. I must have made her mad again. 
 
 `` Sorry,'' I blurted. `` I know I'm bad. I know I always make you upset. Promise I'll be better after this... I hope you will like me then, Madjya.'' 
 
 `` Oh, Anna!'' she exclaimed. Now I was in for it. Was it her dolls? I promised to put them back. I must have forgotten. So stupid. How could I forget. Mama's favorite tea pot broke. Oh, I ran to see. That's why! I'm so useless. Ca n't ever get anything right. 
 
 `` I'll put your dolls back,'' I said to her quickly. I expected the slap any moment then. I deserved it. I've been bad. Hit me, Madjya. 
 
 I felt a warmth stir on the back of my neck over my shoulders. It was the strangest sensation. My eyes were closed. I opened them to see Majorie holding me; holding me close. What was she doing? Was this a new lesson? It did n't hurt like the others. She was trembling. 
 
 I did n't understand. 
 
 Behind her, I heard Papa's hoarse laugh. Instantly Majorie stood up and averted her gaze. 
 
 `` Ah, there you are!'' Papa said as he approached us. There was another man beside him. 
 
 `` Little Anna did not cause any trouble?'' Papa asked. 
 
 `` I kept watch, Papa. She's too dumb to go anywhere anyway.'' 
 
 I looked from her to Papa and the man and made a slight curtsie. 
 
 `` How do you do?'' I said to the man just like Mama had taught me. 
 
 `` This the one?'' The man asked Papa. `` None too bright, eh?'' 
 
 `` Yeah...'' Papa said, placing a hand on my head. It felt fuzzy. `` I was hoping you put a good word in for me with the director. I know she'd still dealing with the tragedy but... We really ca n't do with anything less than what we asked for..'' 
 
 `` Do n't worry,'' the man said heartily. `` The director ca n't deal with hers any more than you can handle that debt of yours. You really should quit that gambling habit of yours.'' 
 
 `` I mean... What next? Her?'' the man said looking towards Majorie. 
 
 `` Oh. No,'' Papa said. `` This is the last. I love that one too much to..'' 
 
 He turned to the man in huddled tones. I glanced at Majorie. She did n't seem pleased even though Papa just praised at her. 
 
 `` Well it's settled, then,'' Papa finally said as he gave the man a handshake. `` Just give me a moment..'' 
 
 He came and stood in front of me. 
 
 `` Yes, Papa?'' I said looking up at him. `` Anna is ready.'' 
 
 `` That's a good girl. Do n't worry, things will be better soon.. Just like we discussed.'' 
 
 `` Goodbye, Anna,'' Papa said. 
 
 From the corner of my eye I saw Majorie raising her hand to wave a little but when I glanced again, she had turned to the side. 
 
 `` See you soon, Papa,'' I said, as the man led me away. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

