Chapter 4

Mom’s wailing brought the whole household outside.

She clutched her dog, her face red with grief, while Dad dragged me off the balcony and threw me to the ground.

“It wasn’t me! It slipped and fell on its own!” I cried, trying to explain.

But Mom’s glare cut through me like a knife.

“Don’t you dare lie to me! From the moment we arrived, I could see you didn’t like Baby. But I didn’t think you’d be this cruel. She was only a year old! How could you kill something so innocent and sweet?”

Her anger made her forget entirely that I was her child.

I panicked, terrified she’d disown me, and fell to my knees.

“Mommy, it wasn’t me! I didn’t push it…”

She turned her back, hugging the dog closer, refusing to listen.

“I hate kids who lie. If I’d known you’d turn out like this, I never would’ve had you.”

Her words stabbed me more profoundly than any punishment ever could.

Desperate, I blurted out an apology I didn’t mean.

“Mom, I’m sorry! I just wanted to play with Baby. I didn’t mean for this to happen…”

I thought admitting guilt would make her less angry, but it only gave her more ammunition.

Turning to Dad, she raised her voice in accusation.

“See? I told you she’s the one who killed Baby! And you still thought coming back to see her was a good idea. How could someone as perfect as us produce such a horrible child?”

Convinced by her words, Dad began ushering her toward the car, leaving me behind.

Frightened, I threw myself at her legs, clinging tightly.

“Mommy, please don’t leave me! I swear I’ll be good!”

I sobbed uncontrollably, but her expression didn’t soften. She walked away with Dad without glancing at me, leaving me in the dirt.

I stumbled after them but collapsed after just a few steps, the world fading into darkness.