Chapter 3

3

Jude’s mother called me, her voice full of concern.

“Blair, I bought those specialty potstickers you love. Want to come over for dinner?”

If there was anything I regretted leaving behind, it was her.

She was a wonderful mother-in-law and a gentle mother figure.

In my real world, I was an orphan.

I had never felt warmth like hers before, and I cherished it.

I didn't turn her down and went to her house immediately.

She had reheated the food several times to keep it warm for me.

She held my hand and tried to comfort me.

“Eat up! You must be starving. Don't worry about that idiot Jude.”

“He’s too arrogant. He hurts you because he knows you love him. If things get worse, just divorce him.”

“But you still have to call me mom, okay?”

She gently touched her phone screen, and it lit up.

I saw a post from Lillian, Jude’s childhood sweetheart.

I realized then why she had called me over.

She had seen the post and wanted to check on me.

I smiled and squeezed her hand. “Don't worry, Mom. No matter what happens with Jude, you’re still my mom.”

She sighed with relief, looking at me with affection.

Suddenly, her expression froze.

Her face turned pale, losing all its color.

“Blair! Your nose! You’re bleeding!”

I wiped my nose and felt warm blood covering my hand.

I remained calm and stuffed some tissues into my nostrils.

I knew this was the System starting to remove me from this world.

“It’s nothing, Mom. Just a little stress,” I said, patting her arm.

She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door.

“No! We are going to the hospital right now!”

She realized her car was in the shop for maintenance.

I had never seen her so panicked.

“Wait here. I’m calling Jude to come get us.”