Chapter 2

I tumbled headfirst into the freezer.

The chill rushed up from my lower body, making me shiver uncontrollably.

My clothes instantly soaked in frigid water, clinging to my skin, an agonizing, bone-deep cold seeping into me.

I tried to push open the freezer door and climb out, but my feet kept slipping.

After falling several times, I started to panic.

“Mom, I’m so cold!”

“Please, let me out! I know I was wrong!”

I desperately pounded on the freezer walls, trying to get someone’s attention.

“Mom! Chloe’s legs are freezing!”

“Help me! I’m sorry, Mom, Chloe really knows she was wrong!”

My limbs were already numb, gradually losing all sensation.

I watched, horrified, as my body slowly turned to ice, starting from the outside, creeping inward.

It reminded me of a time Mom and I were out playing.

Suddenly, it started raining, drenching us both.

The rain felt cold against my skin, but as soon as we got home, Mom drew me a warm bath.

Even though she was still soaking wet herself, she bustled around, putting me in warm, dry clothes and even making me ginger tea.

Mom loved me so fiercely; there’s no way she’d actually let me freeze, right?

I just had to hold on a little longer, and Mom would surely come to take me out!

I tried to cheer myself up, hoping Mom would forgive me soon.

The air in the freezer was getting thin.

Each desperate breath felt like tearing open my lungs.

Frost coated my lips, my eyelashes brittle with ice.

My limbs were stiff, completely unable to move.

I could distinctly feel my body temperature plummeting, even my breathing slowing down.

I wanted to call for Mom to save me, but when I opened my mouth, I couldn't make a sound.

Just before I lost consciousness,

I saw them. Mom and Dad, holding me tight in their arms.

“My sweet girl, you’re our family’s little princess!”

“Mom and Dad will love you forever and ever!”

When I next became aware, I was lying on the living room floor.

Had I escaped the freezer?

I wanted to go to the kitchen to see how I’d opened the door.

But my hand went right through the kitchen door before I could even touch it.

I stood before the freezer; its door was tightly shut.

I tried to open it, but my hand passed straight through the metal.

It turns out I couldn't touch anything solid anymore.

Had I become a ghost?

Just as I felt a wave of sadness, I heard someone unlocking the front door.

I rushed to the entrance, waiting.

It was my Grandma Eleanor, coming to visit me!

“Chloe! Grandma’s here!”

“Come out and see what yummy treats Grandma brought you!”

Grandma muttered as she changed her shoes.

“Chloe is really quiet today. Usually, she’d be rushing to hug me!”

“I’m right here! Grandma!”

“Chloe’s right here at the door, waiting for you!”

I shouted for Grandma, but she couldn't hear me at all.

She walked straight through my transparent body.

Grandma called my name as she walked through the living room and bedrooms.

Not finding me, she finally stood at the kitchen doorway.

Her hand rested on the kitchen doorknob.

Just then, the front door opened again.

Mom, Dad, and Bella walked in, carrying several large bags filled with toys.

Grandma looked past them, not seeing me.

“Where were you all? And where’s Chloe?”