Chapter 2
Fire spread through my mouth.
The burning moved to my throat, then my stomach, then my chest–pain so intense it made me roll around on the floor.
ears.]
My brothers‘ laughter filled my ears.
“I told you she’d definitely drink it.”
“Evan said ‘It’s good–of course hot pepper water tastes good, hahahaha!“]
“Let’s see if you dare tell on us next timer“]]
1 desperately wanted water, but my brothers had taken control of all the water sources in the house.[]
Then I ran into the kitchen, climbed onto the counter, and turned on the faucet.]
With my head tilted all the way back, I chugged the water straight from the faucet.
My brothers lost it-“Look at her! Gulping exactly like some damn thirsty toad, hahhahah!“]
Cold water poured down my throat over and over into my stomach.]
My belly swelled up round and tight.[]
The burning made tears stream down my face. I hadn’t taken two steps before I threw up.
The beautiful carpet was stained with yellow vomit.]]
When the housekeeper saw the mess all over the floor, she scolded me in a low voice.]
“What’s wrong with you? Just as troublesome as your mother.”
“If you don’t learn to behave, I’ll have to tell Master.”
I was picked up.
But I felt like I couldn’t breathe properly.[]
I thought of Mom.]
I clutched the silver locket around my neck–it was the last thing Mom had left me.
Did she leave me because I wasn’t well behaved enough?||
But I had been trying to be good. When would Mom come back?]
After the housekeeper washed me, I hid under the covers.
My stomach hurt.
My face was hot.
Even rolling around in the big bed, I couldn’t get comfortable.[]
I couldn’t fall asleep for a long time.
It wasn’t until midnight when I heard Dad’s footsteps.
I carefully got out of bed, pushed open the door, and peeked out.[]
I wanted to tell Dad my stomach hurt.
But Dad’s face looked scary, dark and frightening like a wolf
“Why are you still awake so late?”
“Why can’t you ever learn to behave?“]
I stared down at my little white feet.]
So it was really because I was still not good enough that Mom wouldn’t come back?
I pouted, about to cry again.]
But Dad picked me up and put me on the bed.]
“Don’t be willful next time.”
“I know, Daddy.”
He tucked the blanket around me. I still wanted to say my stomach hurt.
But Dad answered a phone call and turned to leave.
I knew he was always busy, so busy he didn’t even eat meals with us.
I didn’t say anything more.||
Half asleep, I seemed to see Mom
Mom left home when I was three years old.[]
That day I didn’t listen to Mom.]
I told Dad that Mom wanted to go to the carousel with me.]]
Dad got angry again. He was very fierce.[]
“Vivian, using the child–aren’t you ashamed?”
They fought, fought terribly.]
In the end, we still went to the amusement park
Mom said she was going to buy ice cream and told me to wait right there.[]
But a beautiful butterfly flew by that day. I chased it, and when I finished chasing, Mom was gone.]
Finally Dad brought many men in black suits and surrounded the entire amusement park.[]
The first look Dad gave me was like a monster about to devour someone.[]
“Where’s Mom?-1
I cried loudly in fear.
Since then. I haven’t had a mother.
All three of my brothers think it’s because of me that they don’t have a mom.[]
I tried hard to be good, to listen to Dad and my brothers.
If I become good enough, Mom will come back, right?
