Chapter 3

Forgetting Mom's warnings, I grabbed the new dictionary and rushed fiercely at Dad.

The sharp edge of the dictionary cut Dad's face. A fierce look flashed in his eyes, and he punched me, sending me flying onto a glass cabinet.

Screams erupted around us. Witnessing a child being beaten, some kind people called the police and an ambulance.

Only then did Dad panic and run away, holding the mistress's hand.

I fainted on the counter. When I woke up again, I was in a hospital bed.

Mom's gaze at me regained its familiar hatred. "Bitch, did you forget what I told you? You've already destroyed my family once. Are you going to do it again?"

Mom told me not to hit people.

My parents fought countless times over my foolishness since I was little. Finally, six months ago, they stopped.

Dad was abusing Mom. Terrified, I threw a chair at him, and they both stopped.

The next day, Dad eloped with the nanny, taking all our possessions. He only left Mom this house and my foolish self.

My heart filled with dread, I ignored the pain in my forehead and quickly apologized. "Mom, don't be angry. I won't hit anyone again. I know I was wrong."

Mom's harsh slap was my answer. She left with my sister, abandoning me alone in the hospital.

Before she left, Mom cursed bitterly, "Madilyn, you absolute wretch. Why didn't you just disappear, instead of staying here to cause trouble for everyone?"

I don't understand, but I cried very sadly. Benny was also crying sadly in my heart.

Benny said, "You break off a willow branch as a farewell gift, from birth, foreshadowed a life destined for endless separation, to be manipulated by others. Baby, you are truly pitiable."

I didn't understand, I just felt cold and scared. I really missed Mom.

At night, I walked home alone. All the rooms were dark, Mom and the others must have been asleep.

I didn't dare to go back to my room, afraid Mom would dislike me even more.

I carefully went to the utility room, which was filled with clutter, and no one had entered it for a long time.

I flattened some cardboard boxes, imagining it was my big bed. Feeling at home with Mom, I slept soundly.

I woke up to the smell of food; Mom made my favorite pasta.

I was about to run out happily when the cardboard under my feet reminded me of my unwelcome presence.

To Mom, I was the most annoying person in the world. Even more annoying than Grandma.

I pursed my lips and sat back down. Touching my empty stomach, I regretted not eating an extra meal yesterday.

I secretly squatted by the doorway, smelling the wafting aroma of food through the crack.

Listening to Mom and my sister chatting and laughing, I imagined myself sitting at the table and eating with them.

Mom put a pinch of sour and spicy pasta in my plate.

How happy I felt. I didn't know how, but I fell asleep again.

When I woke up again, it was already very late. I carefully checked the kitchen, but there was nothing to eat.

Mom preferred fresh produce, always buying it right before cooking.

My stomach was empty, and I felt waves of throbbing pain. I rubbed my stomach and went out to find something to eat.

In the trash can by the door, I saw the unfinished pasta my mom had left.

It was in a bag. I happily ran forward, opened the bag, and greedily stuffed the slightly spoiled pasta into my mouth.

Feeling full, I went back to sleep. I didn't know why, but I'd been sleeping longer and longer. Many times, I woke up to darkness.

I went out to look for mom's leftover food, but this time, I ran into her as she was taking out the trash.

Mom saw what I was eating, and her disbelief quickly turned into greater anger. She snatched the trash and violently threw it at me.

The delicious food, tasting just like mom's cooking, spilled all over me.

What a waste. I felt heartbroken but didn't dare to pick it up and eat it, fearing mom would get even angrier.

Mom hit me hard, but her tears kept falling. "You fool, why don't you just die? Why don't you just die?"

I lowered my head and let mom vent her anger.