Chapter 2

When I opened my eyes again, I was in a restaurant.

Mom, David, and Mia sat at a table—laughing like one big happy family.

I called out "Mom" without thinking, but no one turned around.

I looked down at my translucent hand and laughed bitterly.

So I died, huh?

Good. My face always bothered Mom—too much like Dad’s.

Now that I’m gone, she can finally have peace.

After hanging up, David turned to Mom in a quiet voice.

"Eleanor, Lily might actually need that money. You should’ve asked what was wrong."

Mom scowled.

"Please. She’s just a college kid—how much could she possibly need?"

"Give her too much cash, and she’ll get reckless. Start partying or something."

"She needs to learn a lesson. I’m cutting her off for a week. Otherwise, she’ll run wild—who knows what she’d do!"

I shook my head frantically, wanting to scream that I was a good kid.

But I was just a ghost. No matter how hard I tried, no one could see me.

Mia perked up when she heard my name.

"Was that Lily? Can I talk to her? I miss her!"

She looked up at her parents, bottom lip sticking out in a pout.

Mom—who usually gave Mia anything she wanted—shook her head.

"Mia, don’t talk to Lily. She made bad choices. She’s trouble, and she’ll lead you astray!"

Mia shook her head.

"Teacher says everyone makes mistakes! Even if Lily messed up, she deserves a second chance."

"I learned a new saying today: 'Admit your mistakes and fix them!'"

Tears blurred my vision.

I reached out to stroke her hair—my hand passing right through.

Thanks, Mia.

For sticking up for me. For believing in me.

Mia's innocent words softened Mom's scowl a little.

"If your sister were half as sweet and smart as you, I wouldn't be so upset."

"C'mon, Mia. Let's not talk about your sister anymore."

"Let's try this soup!"

She changed the subject, ladling steaming soup into Mia's bowl.

Mia frowned.

"Fine, but tomorrow I'm calling Lily!"

Just then, Mom's phone buzzed.

She glanced at it—a message from my college advisor, Professor Thompson.

"Ms. Green, have you heard from Lily? She didn't check into her dorm tonight and hasn't requested leave. We're concerned for her safety."

Mom's brief smile disappeared.

"Always causing problems!"

I wrung my ghostly hands, silently begging for forgiveness.

I'm sorry, Mom. I should've told the school I was sick.

I messed up again.

Mom texted back to Professor Thompson:

"Don't worry about her. She's probably out partying somewhere!"

Professor Thompson called right away.

Professor Thompson called her.

“But her roommate said she went to the hospital today.”