Chapter 3

The darkness faded completely, and I felt myself being lifted by the wind.

When I opened my eyes, I realized I was a wisp of a soul floating in a restaurant.

I immediately spotted Mom,Dad, and Daisy at a table not far away.

On the table were their favorite comfort foods: steak, mashed potatoes, and pasta—all the things Daisy used to love but hadn't had since I got sick.

But there was no joy of celebration on their faces. The atmosphere was heavy, a stark contrast to the lively chatter around them.

Daisy kept her head down, mindlessly pushing food around in her bowl, her eyes darting frequently toward the restaurant entrance.

I floated beside them, instinctively reaching out to touch Daisy's head.

But my hand passed right through the air.

Mom picked up her fork, placed a piece of steak in Daisy's bowl, her eyes full of heartache.

"Daisy, eat up. These past two years,Dad and I haven't done right by you."

Daisy pushed the meat to the side of her bowl, her voice muffled: "Mom,Dad, let's just go home. I'm worried about Lily."

Mark rubbed his sore shoulder, his voice heavy with exhaustion and frustration:

"What good does worrying do? We work from dawn till dusk, just wanted to celebrate with you properly for once."

"But she throws a fit. This family's been dragged down like this—when will we ever catch a break?"

He spoke, then pressed a hand to his throbbing temples. The red veins in his eyes were clearly visible.

Mom's eyes were red too, her voice tight: "Don't pay her any mind. Today's your day, Daisy. You've worked so hard these past few years. Once Lily gets better, everything will be okay."

Even as she said it, Mom's eyes held an unshakable despair.

They all knew in their hearts I was a bottomless pit.

Two years of pouring in all their savings, and not even a glimmer of improvement.

My condition showed no signs of improving—my muscles were starting to atrophy, and I'd vomit at the sight of food.

Our house couldn't have any meat or strong flavors; it was plain rice and cheap frozen dinners every day.

None of them knew when this kind of life would end.

I floated in the air, seeing the exhaustion on all three of their faces, my heart aching to the point of suffocation.

It was a pain a thousand times worse than cutting my wrist.

It's okay, Mom,Dad. I've already made the choice for you, given you the answer.

Those painful days won't go on forever.

Daisy bit her lower lip, silent for a long time, finally looking up hesitantly:

"Mom,Dad, what if… I just don't go to college? Lily's treatment is important, and tuition is so expensive. I don't want to add any more burden to the family."

Those words hit everyone like a sledgehammer.

I floated in the air, frantic, wanting to scream "No!" But my voice couldn't reach their ears.

No one knew better than me the weight of that acceptance letter.

Countless nights studying until dawn, eating plain sandwiches and instant noodles, wearing faded school uniforms—all to earn her future.

How could she give up so easily?

Tears immediately filled Mom's eyes. She pulled Daisy into a hug, her voice catching.

"Don't be ridiculous, Daisy! You worked so hard for this—how can you just throw it away?"

Mark also clenched his fists, his eyes full of heartache and guilt.

"Don't worry, Daisy. Mom and I will handle Lily's medical bills and your tuition. You don't need to stress about this. Just focus on your studies."

Their promises didn't lighten the mood; if anything, the atmosphere grew heavier.

Mark quietly lowered his head, opened his phone contacts, and messaged construction site bosses one by one, his tone humble and desperate.

"Boss, any work available lately? Anything at all—I can do it."

I could clearly see the exhaustion and helplessness in his eyes.

For us, his daughters, he'd long since swallowed all his pride.

Mom picked up her phone too, secretly scrolling through job listings.

On the screen was a janitorial job posting: "4 AM to 7 AM, daily pay."

She scrolled quickly, her fingertips trembling slightly, but she didn't dare let Daisy notice.

Overwhelming sorrow washed over me.

Because of me, this family had already been through so much.

At least now, maybe my choice could finally help this family.

Daisy couldn't take it anymore. She lifted her head from Mom's hug, sniffling:

"I need to go back and check on Lily, just to make sure she's okay."

Mom and Dad fell silent, eventually just sighing heavily and nodding.

Mom grabbed a takeout container, quietly packing up the leftover food, murmuring:

"I'll take some for Lily too, just in case she feels like eating."