Her Shadow, His Replacement

When I was four, my younger brother, Noah, and I both drowned.

Only I survived, and from that day on, Mom hated me.

At night, countless times, she'd try to force colorful "sweets" into my mouth, but Dad always stopped her just in time.

Later, I cut off my long hair, shed my princess dresses, and tried desperately to live as Noah's shadow.

Only then would Mom spare me a glance.

Three years passed.

Mom became pregnant again, announcing that her beloved Noah had returned!

I was happy for her. Noah was coming back, which was great...