Chapter 3

The room was terrifyingly quiet.

Only the livestream equipment blinked with a faint red light.

My body lay slumped on the desk, motionless.

Outside the door, I heard the low voices of Dad, Mom, and Ethan.

"Are you dressed? We can't be late for Mr. Evans' dinner." That was Dad's voice.

"All ready. Ethan, hurry up. Your grandparents are going too. Don't keep them waiting." That was Mom.

Ethan's voice carried a hint of impatience. "I know, I know. Stop nagging."

They were going out.

Going to a lively family dinner.

And I was locked in this room.

An invisible force pulled at me, preventing me from staying in place.

I could only follow them, passing through that locked door.

Don't go...

Mom, I haven't finished the problems yet. Where are you going?

Did I do something wrong again? Is that why you're leaving me behind?

I floated behind them, watching Ethan's limited-edition sneakers gleaming under the lights.

They were all dressed up, looking completely unrelated to the girl growing cold in that room.

The family got in the car. The heat was on full blast.

As soon as Ethan got in, he pulled out his phone to brag. "Dad, Mom, look! My livestream broke another record! We had over 200,000 viewers online at the same time!"

Mom's face immediately lit up with satisfaction. "That's my son. So accomplished."

Dad nodded approvingly. "Keep it up. This account is going to be valuable for your future."

They laughed, planning a beautiful future.

I tried to touch Mom's hand. It was the warmth I used to crave most.

But my fingertips passed right through her body without resistance.

Mom, your hands are still so warm.

Why can't I feel them anymore?

Am I too cold?

The car stopped at a red light.

A skinny stray dog on the roadside suddenly started barking frantically at our window.

Its barks were shrill, drawing looks from passersby.

After a few barks, it let out a series of whimpers, tucking its tail and whining pitifully as it looked at me in the car.

It pitied me.

Dad was annoyed by the noise. He rolled down the window, about to scold the dog.

But then he heard someone in the car next to us watching their phone and commenting loudly.

"Look at this livestream! Is this girl okay? She's been slumped over for almost two hours without moving!"

"Seriously? Let me see... oh my God, her hands are turning purple! Someone call the police!"

The smiles froze on my parents' faces.

Dad snatched the phone from Ethan and stared at the livestream.

On screen, I still maintained my "sleeping" position, completely motionless.

The flicker of concern in Mom's eyes quickly morphed into contempt and anger.

"I knew she was faking it! That little brat-she'll do anything to avoid seeing relatives. Shameless!"

Dad's expression also turned cold.

He tossed the phone back to Ethan, disgust in his voice.

"Turn the livestream volume to max and loop math formulas for her."

"Let's see how long she can sleep!"

I wasn't faking...

Mom, I'm just too tired. I fell asleep.

When I wake up, I'll definitely finish all the problems.

Please don't be angry, okay?

Accompanied by formulas I couldn't understand, the car smoothly pulled into the five-star hotel parking lot.

They got out and headed toward that feast without me.

And I could only follow behind them.