Chapter 5

My body grew colder and colder. I couldn't help but shiver.

One hand instinctively reached for my neck, but found only emptiness.

I remembered then—the longevity lock Dad had given me had long been taken away by Mom because of my sister.

When my sister and I were born, Dad specially carved two longevity locks himself, praying for our health and safety.

Originally, my sister and I each wore one around our necks. Later, my sister's went missing somewhere.

Mom was afraid she'd throw a tantrum if she saw mine and worsen her condition, so she simply put mine away too. Out of sight, out of mind.

Later, while cleaning, I found the longevity lock again.

I secretly took it out and hid it under my pillow, only daring to touch it quietly late at night.

Mom gave all her attention and focus to my sister. Only this longevity lock Dad left behind belonged completely to me.

Whenever I looked at it, it was as if I could feel Dad gently stroking my head, smiling and saying I was the most like him—quiet and steady.

Whenever I lost motivation, this longevity lock gave me endless courage, allowing me to grit my teeth and persevere.

But even this one thing, Kayla wouldn't let me have.

"What's this? It's so pretty."

She held scissors in one hand and hooked the longevity lock's chain with the other.

"Oh? There are words on it? Let me see..."

"'Julia'? Ha, what a pity!"

I panicked and rushed over, but was still a step too late. I could only watch helplessly as she cut the lock to pieces and, as if not satisfied, tore apart the chain in a frenzy.

I trembled all over as I picked up the pieces one by one. Mom swept into the room like a whirlwind.

"What are you doing to provoke Kayla! Go apologize to her right now! Don't make me..."

Her words suddenly died in my breakdown of tears.

"It was her! She destroyed the lock Dad left me! This is the only thing that belongs to me! Why should I apologize?!"

"Why are you so biased?! I'm your child too..."

She had everything I'd sought but never obtained, effortlessly. Why did she have to take away my only keepsake? Why?!

I screamed, unable to stop trembling all over. The fragments dug into my clenched palms, drawing blood. A sharp, dense pain rose in my chest.

Mom couldn't believe that her usually obedient daughter would lose control like this. She froze for a moment.

"Julia, this... the floor is cold. Get up first."

Just as her heart softened and she bent down to help the distraught me up, Kayla suddenly screamed.

"Ah! Mom! Hhh..."

I watched her stiffen for an instant, determination flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, she got up and rushed toward Kayla, who was clutching her throat.

I instantly lost all strength and slumped to the floor, an absurd sense of "of course" rising in my heart.

Hobbies, dreams, freedom, love...

Gone. Everything was gone. I couldn't even keep this tiny little lock chain!

How pitiful, Julia Hayes. What exactly are you still hoping for?!

My hand dropped heavily from my empty neck.

My vision grew blurrier. Before my consciousness completely faded, I saw Mrs. Smith's terrified face.