Chapter 5

Today, the house felt a little different.

Mom bought a beautiful cake with cute little animals on it.

I remembered, it was Leo's birthday today.

It was my birthday too.

Leo and I were born on the same day. Mom used to smile and say it was a bond between brothers.

Later, she said I had a tough fate and I was a jinx to Leo.

Lots of people came over, Grandpa and Grandma Smith, Grandpa and Grandma Johnson.

They brought so many gifts, all for Leo.

The newest Transformers, nice overalls.

No one remembered it was my birthday today too.

And no one asked, "Where's Lily?"

Leo, wearing his new clothes, ran around the living room like a little prince.

Everyone was laughing, praising Leo for being cute and smart.

Mom was smiling so happily, her eyes crinkling up.

I started smiling too.

That's good, Mom is finally happy.

Grandpa Smith suddenly remembered something and asked:

"Why haven't I seen Lily?"

Mom's smile vanished instantly, her tone becoming impatient.

"Don't mention her. She's throwing a tantrum in her room, hasn't gotten up or eaten for days, just deliberately trying to annoy us!"

"On such a happy day, don't let her come out and spoil it!"

Grandma Smith sighed. "That child, she's a bit stubborn."

Then no one mentioned me again.

When it was time to cut the cake, Leo loudly said, "Save a piece for Lily!"

Mom kissed Leo. "Our little Leo is so kind, still thinking of Lily. She doesn't deserve Leo's birthday cake."

Dad was silent for a moment, then stood up. "Let's send a piece to her anyway. She hasn't eaten in two days."

Mom glared at him. "Don't you dare! She's using this as a protest, trying to make us coddle her!"

"If we give in today, what will happen later?"

Dad looked at Mom's angry face and slowly sat back down.

Outside, they were singing "Happy Birthday."

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you..."

It was for Leo.

The singing was so loud; it almost made me unable to sleep.

Mom, look, I'm not being bad.

I'm not protesting.

I'm making things easy for you.

I won't eat Leo's candy anymore, I won't play with his Transformer cars, and I won't make you angry.

The cake was eaten, and the guests were about to leave.

Leo ran to his room, hugging a pile of gifts.

As he passed my door, he timidly walked to my bed.

"Lily, wake up and play with the toy car."

Accidentally, the toy car rolled under my bed, and Leo burst into tears.

Mom was the first to rush over.

"Lily, Leo was kindly trying to play with you, and you made him cry? How could you be so wicked!"

"There, there, Leo, don't cry, Mom will get it for you."

She got down on the floor, reaching under the bed for the toy car.

She found the toy, and also the red cloth pouch.

Mom pulled it out. The red cloth was unfolded, and the keepsake locket was gone.

On it, written in crooked pencil, were a few words: [Mom and Dad, I'm sorry.]

She froze, then looked up at the small lump on the bed that hadn't moved for days.

Mom's face instantly turned ashen, her voice trembling.

"Lily?"