Chapter 4

The next day, the smell of frying bacon and chocolate muffins woke my spirit.

This was my favorite breakfast.

But I hadn't had it in so long.

Mom said people who scored zeros only deserved water.

I knew Mom was using food to make me submit.

But I was too exhausted to explain anymore. No matter what I said, no matter how I defended myself, Mom thought I was making excuses.

Wait—I don't need food anymore.

Dad looked at his newspaper. "Why isn't Elena up yet?"

"Did the cold actually make her sick?"

Mom slammed down her fork.

"How is that possible? She's probably just throwing another tantrum."

Bella ate her bacon and muffins with relish.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up. She walked to my door and said loudly, "Elena, your teacher sent you a message. She said anyone who got a zero has to copy the entire textbook."

I looked at Bella. She was the one who had to copy the textbook.

When no one answered from inside, Mom walked over.

"Elena! Did you hear me? You're not coming out until you finish copying."

Dad put down his newspaper and picked up a muffin.

"At least let Elena eat something before she copies. Otherwise the kid won't be able to handle it."

Dad walked closer to my room, step by step.

My heart rose to my throat.

If Dad opened the door, he'd definitely notice I wouldn't wake up no matter how much he called.

Seeing me motionless and curled up, he'd definitely pull back the blanket to check if I had a fever.

Dad pushed open the door.

Light streamed in. Mom was outside, muttering angrily. "Still lying there. So incredibly lazy..."

Dad set down the muffin, suspicion rising. "Elena, why aren't you up yet? Are you feeling sick?"

"Are you still mad at your mom? She just wants you to improve. Don't blame her."

Dad's hand landed on my blanket. I held my breath instinctively.

A second later, I realized—I didn't need to breathe anymore.

But just then, Dad's phone rang. "What?"

"Okay, I'll be right there."

He rushed out of my room and grabbed his coat.

"My coworker got in a car accident. I need to cover his shift. Take care of the girls."

Before Mom could respond, Dad was already out the door, his back barely visible.

He was so close. Just a little closer and Dad would've discovered I was dead.

Maybe then Mom wouldn't blame me anymore.

Mom stood in the doorway. "Elena, I've locked the door from the outside. Starting today, you'll stay in your room and copy that textbook. You'll come out when you're done."

After locking it, Mom pocketed the key with satisfaction.

I stared at the locked door—just like my heart. Dead.

My spirit never made a sound. If she'd just looked at me once, asked me once, she would've realized I was dead.

But Mom didn't.

She didn't even step one foot into my room.

Mom, if there's a next life, please don't be my mother.