Chapter 2

We had to find another shelter after our house was burned.

Fortunately, our neighbors didn't get implicated.

"It is troublesome to find a new house with three kids around. We have to send one of you away."

After Dad made that explanation, I became the focus of attention.

I gave a bitter smile.

My old trick was to throw myself into the arms of my parents and make a fuss. In the end, they would give in and say, "Alas, fine, you stay. What a spoiled child! Our bad."

As for Danial and Daisy, they didn't have to make a fuss for what they wanted.

This time, I didn't use my old trick.

After a slight nod, I retreated and said in a hoarse voice, "I will leave."

My family was aghast at my reactions, but they didn't make a comment.

Therefore, I was sent to my uncle's house.

I began to live at the mercy of my uncle, Parker Jefferson, and my aunt, Christine Jefferson.

At first, they spared me a smiling face from time to time. Later, they gave me a poker face.

They pursed their lips even if I was responsible for all the chores and gave them the money I earned by picking up and selling plastic bottles.

One afternoon, I overheard their chat right after I cleaned the toilet.

"When will she leave?"

"Alas, in two days, I think."

"Don't you know how smelly she is? I have to take a bath after I talk with her. Besides, it is expensive to provide for a kid."

I lowered my head and sniffed myself.

I didn't use the bathtub because my uncle and my aunt didn't want me to.

During the dinnertime that night, I said with a smile, "Uncle, I don't like the room where I live now. I would like to move to the basement. I won't come here for meals again. I will cook for myself."

I kept my expression and tone casual and lively in fear that my uncle would be unhappy.

My uncle gave me a nod, and his rigid expression was finally softened.

"Come, Dora, try this. You may like it."

What a wonder that my aunt sent an egg to my plate!

It was cold in the basement.

The door couldn't keep the chilly wind out. Like the needle, the wind made my wounds ache and tickle.

I tightly wrapped myself with the broken quilt while tears and snot rolled down my jaw.

How thirsty! My lips hadn't been moistened by water for 24 hours. To survive, I left the basement.

At the doorway, I saw dirty water running out of the pipe.

Like a stray cat, I licked the water with my tongue.

After a moment of hesitation, I bent my waist and knelt down.

In comparison to thirst, my dignity was nothing.

I felt that the water was cold and sweet.

Satisfied, I wiped the water off my lips and rose to my feet. Then, I found Danial standing not far away with a long face.

How long had he been standing there? Why was he here? Why did he give me that look?

My body shivered, and I was ready to run away.

"Go home with me. It is Christmas Eve," Danial said as he came to me.

I didn't expect him to approach me, so I, in a panic, moved backward.

I was afraid that he would find me smelly.

With knitted eyebrows, he pulled my arm. "Come!"

He pulled me into his car.

Restless, I arrived at the new home of my family.

I lingered at the doorway and looked around.

The building included two floors and a garden.

It was neat and clean.

It seemed my family didn't have a financial problem at all.

Why didn't they take me with them?

With my head down, I dragged my feet because I didn't want to go inside at all.

The people inside the building were unaware of my arrival, and they chatted and laughed.

My parents were generous with praises to Daisy, and their laughter were happy and hearty.