Chapter 3

2

Amidst the confusion, my mind drifted to the past.

Selene was the daughter of my father's colleague. In an accident, her parents lost their lives, and my father survived because Selene's father had pushed him to safety in his final moments.

At least, that's what my father told us, and we all believed it.

After that, Dad brought Selene home and cared for her meticulously, even better than he ever cared for me.

When Selene first arrived, we were both around ten. The house didn't have an extra room.

So, Mom bought a bunk bed, and Selene and I shared a room.

At first, I was happy to have a new sister. I thought, finally, someone to help me stand up against my big brother.

But I was too naive.

Selene would often, intentionally or not, spill her milk all over the homework I'd spent hours completing, then shrink into a corner, acting pitiful and apologetic.

The first time, I forgave her.

But then came the second time, and the third.

I got angry. I told Dad that Selene was ruining my papers on purpose.

But instead of comforting me, Dad pulled the teary-eyed, wide-eyed Selene into his arms.

"Selene just spilled some milk on your paper, and you're being this aggressive toward her?"

"You can just do it over, but Selene didn't even get to drink her milk. She didn't even tell me that she needs it to grow tall."

After lecturing me, he turned back to whisper to Selene, "Don't worry, sweetheart. If the milk is spilled, Dad will just pour you another glass."

I couldn't believe it. Was this the same father who used to love me so much?

He knew how hard I worked on those assignments.

After that, it wasn't just my papers―my other schoolwork would mysteriously vanish or be shredded.

I knew telling my parents was useless, so I went to my brother.

He had always protected me, chasing away the bullies when we were kids.

But even he had turned into a different person.