Chapter 1

My mom is a top lawyer.

She defended a murderer, turning a death sentence into an acquittal.

She didn't know the victim was her own daughter.

Mom never liked me. She called me a vixen, saying I'd cry to gain men's sympathy.

On my 18th birthday, I went out waiting for the surprise mom mentioned.

What I got was a killer.

Later, that star lawyer went insane.

On my 18th birthday, a message lured me to a desolate mountain.

It was from mom.

"5 PM, North Forest Mountain. A surprise awaits you."

I was overjoyed, dressing up carefully before heading out.

Mom had never liked me and rarely came to see me.

When I visited friends' houses, she'd scold me for being improper, always trying to seduce people.

If I wore a pretty dress, she'd say my mind wasn't right, that I wasn't focused on studying.

When a male classmate gave me a birthday gift, she accused me of being calculating, of harming others.

This was the first time mom was giving me a gift. I twirled around, feeling as light as if I had wings.

I waited and waited on the mountain, until the last bus had gone. She never came.

Was mom tricking me?

Maybe something held her up.

Footsteps sounded behind me. I turned around, excited.

What I got was a demon.

I ran desperately in the opposite direction, trying to reach the road for help.

Night had fallen. There was no moon, no lights.

If only I could move a little quieter, a little quicker, I could surely escape.

Get to the road, call the police, seek help.

But what about mom? What if she came and ran into him?

My phone rang - it was the ringtone I'd set for mom.

Damn, I'd been discovered.

I silenced the ring and ran with all my might.

Mom, don't come. It's dangerous here.

He pinned me to the ground, a knife tracing inch by inch across my skin.

Mud clung to my body, blood splattered onto the soil.

The ringtone seemed to start again, then stopped after a while, the screen light fading with it.

I died on my 18th birthday.

Covered in mud, full of anticipation.

My soul floated in the night sky.

The pain of being tortured seemed to linger.

I felt pulled by some force.

Slowly flying towards home.