Chapter 2

I am now 18 years old, just starting my senior year of high school. In less than a year, I'll be facing the final exams that shape our futures. In my previous life, I missed those exams.

Three months before the exams, my sister passed away. In her grief, my mother tore up all my textbooks. "Have you no heart? Ariah is gone, and you're still thinking about studying?" she shouted. "Why are you alive when Ariah is not?"

During the exam days, she locked me inside the house. "Ariah’s biggest regret was not being able to take those exams," she said. "If you can't do anything for her, don't make her sad even in heaven."

At the time, I thought she wanted me gone. Not only did she lock me up, but she also denied me food and water. In the end, Brock came to rescue me.

Honestly, I'm not ready to face them again. That's why I hide in the corner until my mother leaves Ariah’s hospital room. Only then do I go in.

Brock is there. Seeing me, he puts on a stern expression. "Where have you been? Why are you just getting here now?" he asks.

I ignore him and look directly at my sister, a rush of warmth flooding from my heart to my eyes. Seven years—it’s been too long. I've missed her so much.

She gently taps Brock and scolds him playfully, "Why are you being so tough?"

Then she beckons me with a tender smile, "Teagan, come here."

"Teagan, come here, and I’ll give you some candy."

"Teagan, come here, and I’ll tell you a story."

"Teagan, come here, don’t be scared. I’m here."

"Teagan, come, I’ll give you a hug."

...

"Teagan, I’m leaving. What will happen to my dear one?"

I quickly walk over and crouch by her bed, reaching out to gently wrap my arms around her slender waist. I bury my head in her lap, tears finally breaking free.

I sob quietly, as if under an immense burden.

"What’s wrong? Teagan, what’s wrong? Who hurt you?" she asks with concern.

"Teagan, don’t cry. Tell me what happened," she urges.

"Teagan, don’t be scared. I’m here. I’m always here."