Chapter 4

“Mark! Don’t you dare save any for Chloe!”

Mom snatched the pizza from Dad’s hand and threw it straight into the trash can.

It was dark outside now, and Grandma had to go home.

She put on her coat, trying to persuade Mom and Dad.

“The child is still young. Go pick her up from the neighbor’s house soon; don’t keep bothering them.”

“When Chloe comes back, don’t scold her anymore. I believe she didn’t do it on purpose.”

Hearing Grandma’s words, my tears of grievance welled up again.

Grandma believed me!

I really wasn’t a bad kid who bullied others.

But now Mom and Dad both thought I was, and they didn’t love me anymore.

Thinking that, my heart started aching again.

Mom sent a few more SnapChat messages to my smartwatch.

After waiting a few minutes and getting no reply, she angrily kicked over the trash can.

“That stubborn brat! Not a single reply!”

“She’s seriously trying to cut us off, isn’t she?!”

I quickly floated to Mom.

“I’m sorry, Mom, I didn’t mean not to reply to you.”

“My smartwatch and I are both frozen stiff in the freezer! I can’t reply to you!”

“I’m sorry, Mom, please forgive me, okay?”

But no matter how much I apologized, Mom couldn’t hear me.

Dad was busy helping Bella with a craft project.

“If she doesn’t want to come home, let her stay at Ashley’s house!”

“I want to see how long she can be stubborn!”

Dad was always busy with work. My school craft projects were always finished by myself.

I had always wanted Dad to do a craft with me just once, a dream I couldn't fulfill even in death, yet it was coming true for Bella right now.

Dad gently reminded her to be careful with the scissors, patiently helping her arrange the tools.

Little me sat next to Dad, pretending Dad was teaching me how to do crafts too.

But Dad’s gaze passed right through me, looking only at Bella.

He didn't spare me a single glance.

Bella suddenly grabbed Dad’s hand. Her eyes red-rimmed, she cautiously asked:

“Uncle Mark, can I call you Dad?”

Seeing Dad hesitate, Bella pitifully added.

“Ever since my dad passed away, I miss him so much. I can’t sleep at night thinking about him.”

“My dad used to be your best friend. Could you just… could you just say ‘Dad’ for him, just once?”

“Dad!”

This time, my dad didn’t hesitate. He pulled Bella into a hug.

“Oh, honey! Dad’s right here, my sweet girl!”

The scene pierced me deeply.

“I’m right here, Dad! I’m your daughter, Dad!”

“Dad, you don’t want me anymore either?”

I frantically tried to separate them.

But it was no use.

Dad comforted her for a long time, and then told Bella.

“From now on, you’re my second daughter. Come home whenever you want.”

My heart ached again, making it hard to breathe.

“Dad, didn’t you always say I was your *only* treasure?”

I felt like nothing more than a stray kitten or puppy, thrown out on the street.

That night, Mom saw I still hadn't replied to her messages, so she locked the door.

“I’ve really spoiled that stubborn brat rotten!”

“She can come back or not for all I care!”

Bella brought a basin of warm water and placed it at Mom’s feet.

“Sarah, don’t be angry. Bella will wash your feet.”

Mom was touched by Bella’s gesture. She took Bella’s hand.

“You’re so thoughtful, Bella!”

“If only Bella were my daughter! Let that awful child drop dead for all I care! And don’t you dare ever come back!”

Mom, your wish came true.

I really did die, just inside the house.

Bella put on my pajamas and lay in my little bed, falling into a deep sleep in Mom’s arms.

When Mom thought she was asleep and went back to her own bedroom,

Bella jumped up, put on slippers, and walked straight to the kitchen.

Bella stood in front of the freezer.

“Chloe, are you dead yet?”