Chapter 1

Ever since I was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder three years ago, no one in my family had smiled.

My dad, David, was always on the go.

After his office job, he'd pick up odd shifts on construction sites to save money for my treatment.

My mom, Sarah, not only took care of me but also went to the hospital every day to look after my grandma, who was paralyzed.

My five-year-old sister, Chloe, already did most of the chores at home and always watched my mood nervously.

Today was Chloe's sixth birthday.

I’d started taking my medication on time a week ago, hoping to be in good spirits to celebrate her birthday.

But the moment Mom brought out the cake, my head suddenly began to throb intensely. It was the warning sign of an alter switch.

I tugged at Mom's sleeve, telling her I felt terrible.

My usually gentle mom suddenly slapped me hard and locked me in the bathroom.

"If you feel so bad, then just die!"

"Have I not been good to you? Why do you have to steal Chloe's attention at a time like this?"

"You're crazy! You're a lunatic!"

Mom screamed hysterically at me, slamming the bathroom door shut.

The moment she closed the door, the alter switch began.

The part of me that was desperate to die, my alter, One, finally took control.