But desperation did not give anyone ownership over another person’s body.
“I’m sorry about your brother,” I said.
Sienna looked up hopefully.
“But he deserves qualified medical care and a legitimate transplant evaluation. He doesn’t deserve to have his future tied to something illegal.”
Her lips trembled.
“Derek told me you would agree.”
I stared at her.
“Did he?”
She nodded.
“He said you would do anything for him.”
I felt tears sting my eyes.
“That part was probably true,” I whispered.
The room became quiet.
“For three years, I would have done almost anything to help Derek. If you had asked me about being evaluated as a possible donor, I would have listened. I might even have wanted to find out whether I could help.”
Sienna lowered her eyes.
“But you never asked me,” I continued. “You treated my consent as something that could be manufactured on paper.”
