Chapter 2

The next morning, I was jolted awake by an agonizing spasm in my stomach.

I hadn't eaten anything the night before, and no one had come to check on me.

Even though it was my birthday, I could only curl up inside my room, listening to them celebrate my day with my sister on the other side of the door.

I opened my eyes to find a warm bowl of plain porridge on my nightstand.

Mom was sitting at the edge of the bed, wearing a gentle smile I hadn't seen in years.

"You're awake? Sit up and eat some porridge."

I froze, tears instantly stinging my eyes.

She did something she hadn't done in forever—she reached out and stroked my hair.

"Your dad lost his temper yesterday. Don't take it to heart."

"How about this weekend, Mom takes you to the amusement park you've been begging to go to?"

My dry, cracked lips trembled. That tiny, dead ember inside my heart flickered back to life with a faint spark of hope.

The amusement park. I had dreamed of going for three whole years.

When I was little, Dad used to carry me on his shoulders, laughing as we rode the carousel together.

Maybe deep down, they still loved me.

As long as I stayed quiet and didn't upset Chloe, maybe they would still care.

Swallowing the pain in my stomach, I nodded vigorously.

"Okay. I want to go."

"Thank you, Mom."

When the weekend finally came, I dug out the prettiest white dress from my closet.

It was already a bit too short for me, but I couldn't bear to throw it away.

Ever since I got sick, I hadn't had any new clothes.

Standing in front of the mirror, I splashed cold water on my face, trying my best to look less pale.

I didn't want to ruin their mood.

Holding onto the wall, I slowly dragged my feet out of my room.

Mom was on the phone in the living room.

She was bent over, adjusting Chloe's bright yellow backpack.

Her voice was dripping with sickening tenderness.

"Yeah, taking Chloe to the amusement park. Got the tickets already."

"Don't worry about Lauren. Dragging her sickly self along would just ruin the whole day."

"Right, Chloe's happiness comes first. Who has the patience to deal with an invalid?"

I stopped dead in my tracks, feeling as though the entire world had caved in on me.

What about that bowl of porridge from that morning? What about her promise, her gentle smile, and her comforting words? How could it all change so completely?

Dragging my fragile body forward, I stepped into the center of the living room.

"Mom?" My voice was hoarse. "Didn't you say you were taking me?"

Mom hung up the phone, the warmth on her face vanishing instantly.

She knit her brows in annoyance.

"What are you throwing a fit about now? Didn't I tell you to stay in your room?"

"But you promised me."

"Promised you what? Just look at yourself!"

She looked me up and down with utter revulsion.

"Look at what you're wearing! Are you trying to embarrass us in public?"

Chloe ran over and shoved me hard.

"Get lost! Mommy gave the ticket to me! She's only taking me to the theme park, not you!"

I was already weak, and the shove threw me completely off balance.

Instinctively, I reached out to grab the hem of Mom's shirt to steady myself.

Mom jerked back as if dodging the plague, shoving me away with all her strength.

"Don't touch Chloe! Are you trying to fake another illness to frame us?!"

My back slammed hard against the solid wood coffee table. A blinding, agonizing pain ripped through my lower spine.

I curled up on the floor, drenching my clothes in cold sweat within seconds.

I gasped for air, unable to find the breath to even scream.

Mom looked down at me struggling on the floor with cold eyes.

"Enough with the drama. I'm sick of you trying to make us feel sorry for you."

She took Chloe by the hand and stepped toward the front door.

As she reached the doorway, she stopped, turning back to cast a chilly glare at me.

"Since you're already in this state, why go out and embarrass us at an amusement park?"

"Don't you dare call me today. Nobody is ruining your sister's weekend!"

The door slammed shut with a heavy bang.