Chapter 4

Mom angrily pushed Dad, her voice filled with a mix of anger and pain.

"What are you saying? Lily might be a bit delicate, but she's a poor child too."

As she spoke, Mom's eyes reddened.

"She was only seven back then, and that old pervert... My heart aches, I wanted to tear that bastard apart."

"Later, Lily kept trying to die. I knew she was hurting inside. But today is Chloe's birthday, we can't let her act out."

Mom wiped away her tears and lovingly stroked Chloe's head.

"Chloe, you didn't make a wish when you went to give Lily the cake. Make one now."

Chloe's childlike face lit up with joy. She closed her eyes and made a sincere wish.

"Chloe wants to be with Mom, Dad, and Lily forever."

This sentence pierced Mom's heart like a needle.

Mom suddenly covered her mouth and rushed into the bedroom. I faintly heard her muffled sobs.

In those sobs, there was guilt, heartache, and an indescribable helplessness.

Dad's eyes also reddened. He silently put a crown on Chloe's head and stroked her hair.

"Dad promises you, our family will always be together."

I hugged Dad and Chloe, thinking silently to myself.

I'm sorry, Chloe, your wish can never come true.

But without me, you, Mom, and Dad will be happier.

No more worrying about medical bills, no more living in fear, no more living such a tired life.

After tucking Chloe into bed, Dad gently called my name from the bathroom door.

"Lily, please come out. It's cold in there. Come out and Dad will make you dinner."

"Don't you love Dad's steak the most? Dad will make you a big plate, just for you."

But the only answer was dead silence.

Dad, I'm okay. Lily can't feel the cold anymore.

I can't eat your steak either.

Seeing that I didn't make a sound, Dad went back to the bedroom and quietly asked Mom.

"Why did you lock Lily in the bathroom for so long?"

"Her mental state is unstable. Maybe we should go check on her?"

Mom was silent for a moment, then shook her head.

"I didn't even lock the door. She can come out whenever she wants."

"There's only an eyebrow razor in the bathroom. How much force would she need to cut her wrist? She's just a kid, she wouldn't do it."

"Lily is sick, but we've also spoiled her a bit too much. Let her think about it herself."

I stomped my feet in frustration, wanting so badly to tell Mom that I really did cut my wrist with that eyebrow razor.

And I wasn't spoiled, One did it! I was Mom's good child!

Dad finally sighed, no longer insisting. He started discussing the month's expenses with Mom.

This month, my therapy with a private specialist cost almost ten thousand, and Grandma's medical bills at the hospital were astronomical.

Mom covered her face, her sobs escaping her throat in low bursts.

"Honey, when will this life end?"

"Lily still can't go to school normally. We'll have to support her for life. I'm afraid we won't be able to bear it."

Dad patted Mom's hand and pulled her into a hug, comforting her.

"Since we brought her into this world, we have to be responsible. No matter what, Lily is our child. We didn't protect her well, so supporting her for life is fine."

"After I finish my shifts at the construction site, I'll drive for Uber to earn more money. We have to cure Lily, and things will slowly get better."

I looked at Dad's graying temples and Mom's tears, and suddenly felt that I shouldn't have died.

Mom and Dad had already included my life in their future.

They had planned to support me for life.

Mom and Dad loved me, after all.

I reached out to wipe away Mom's tears, but my hand passed through her.

Mom, don't cry. Lily left quietly on her own. You won't have to worry about me anymore.