The psychologist’s tone was gentle.[]
“Perhaps it’s not just you, but also the people around her, the environment. If you don’t believe it, we can do another experiment.”
For the next few days, Dad and my brothers weren’t home.[]
They said they were going camping together.
Before, I would definitely cry and make a fuss to go with them.]
Now I felt nothing and didn’t want to go.
The nutritional meals the nutritionist made seemed to start having flavor.]
That day I ate an entire bowl of vegetable soup and a sandwich.
My stomach was stuffed full.]
Just three days, and I curled up on the sofa sleeping like a little ball.]
When Dad came back, he picked me up.]
He pinched my cheek
“Our Claire is so beautiful. You’ve been well–fed these past few days.“]
My brothers agreed, saying I was the prettiest sister.]
But they were also the ones who used to call me a toad.[]
Toads are obviously ugly.
That very night, I threw up everything I’d eaten again.]
In the middle of the hight, my stomach felt uncomfortable and I wanted to go downstairs for water.
Half of Dad’s face was hidden in shadow, his voice very low.]
“What’s the verdictr
“It’s confirmed that little Miss is under
under great stress when she’s around you.”
“Given the current situation, we can only change the environment.“]
I’d never seen Dad look so dejected.[]
“We’ve made so many efforts. Isn’t there any other way?”
“This is the only method that doesn’t require medication.”
“For the child’s development, I suggest changing environments or going to stay with someone else she’s close to.”
“I won’t be coming tomorrow.”
Dad’s fingers tapped on the table one by one. His figure was tall–more handsome than all the other children’s fathers at kindergarten.[]
Yet only made me felt cold.]
“Fine.”
The doctor still said. “I suggest you seriously consider this for the child’s health.“[]
Dad said nothing.
After a very long time, Dad turned around and finally saw me standing on the steps.
His eyes were red again. “Are you hungry?”
I shook my head.]]
Strangely, after being so hungry before, I didn’t feel hungry anymore even when I didn’t eat.]
I saw big tears rolling down from Dad’s eyes.[]
Just like me before.]
But I couldn’t cry anymore.[]
I could only reach out my little hand to wipe them away.[]
With my other hand clutching Dad’s sleeve, I tried hard to stand on my tiptoes to wipe them.]
His whole body was trembling slightly as he gently held my hand.]]
“It’s all Daddy’s fault.”
“Daddy was too obsessive. That’s why your mother was been drove away, why your brothers treat you like that.“[]
But Daddy, you treated me the same way too.
Otherwise, how would my brothers have dared?]]
But I couldn’t say it.
Dad looked at me, tears streaming down, his voice choked up
“Sweetheart, can you call me Daddy one more time?“)
