Not this time. He ate everything she gave him without a word. Even the foods he hated—he swallowed them without hesitation.
Mom and Dad exchanged a look, satisfied smiles spreading across their faces.
I heard Mom whisper to Dad:
"If I'd known sending Lily away would make them behave, I would've done it years ago."
Dad nodded in agreement.
I floated nearby, staring at the food on the table, feeling nothing at their words.
I was already dead. What did it matter?
At mealtimes, I was never allowed to take any of Ethan or Chloe's favorite dishes.
If I grabbed even one bite, their portions would be short, and Mom and Dad would fight over whose kid was being cheated.
It violated their sacred rule of fairness.
So I only ever ate what they didn't want.
Now they didn't have to worry anymore. The balance would never tip again.
A scene I'd witnessed countless times suddenly felt unbearable. I couldn't watch anymore.
I drifted back to find my body.
The blood had dried. Everything around me was pitch black. I had no idea when—or if—anyone would discover I was dead.
I wandered aimlessly for a while before heading home.
When I got back, Ethan and Chloe were both crying, begging Mom.