Chapter 2

When I opened my eyes again, I was floating mid-air.

Looking down,

my body lay on that narrow folding bed.

The blanket covered my head, showing only a pair of pale, shriveled hands.

They were covered in needle marks and bruises—ugly, just like Mom always said.

I tried to tuck them under the blanket, but realized I couldn't control that body anymore.

So people really do have souls after they die.

I drifted through the bedroom door and into the living room.

The living room lights were harsh on my eyes.

Dinner leftovers still cluttered the table.

My family sat on the couch, eating fruit.

Ryan was peeling an apple, griping,

"Lily's so rude. She didn't even come out to say goodbye when Chloe left."

"I told Chloe she wasn't feeling well, but Chloe probably thinks I'm mean to her."

Mom scoffed, spitting a sunflower seed shell into the trash.

"What's her problem? I saw her practically sprint back to her room earlier—her legs looked fine!"

"She just doesn't want to help out! Lazy as always!"

"For years, she's used that kidney as an excuse to boss us around. Say one word, and she throws a fit."

Dad frowned and stubbed out his cigarette.

"Enough,"

"We've got to take Chloe's parents to see the venue tomorrow. Tell her to get up early and clean the house."

"She's a grown woman living under our roof, eating our food—no sense of responsibility."

I hovered nearby, listening.

Strangely, I didn't feel that familiar ache in my chest anymore.

Maybe my heart had already stopped caring.

I looked at Mom.

Her temples were graying, and wrinkles creased around her eyes.

She'd stressed herself sick over Ryan's wedding.

Well, it's over now. I'm gone.

They wouldn't have that endless drain anymore—the one who only took and never gave.

The money saved would pay for Ryan's fancy wedding.

Even when they had grandkids someday, they wouldn't have to worry about my medical bills.

I was actually happy for them.

"I'll go tell her to clean up."

Mom stood, wiped her hands, and headed for the storage room.

My chest tightened, and I floated over to block her path without thinking.

"Mom, don't go."

"I look too awful. I'll scare you."

"It's late, and you have to get up early tomorrow. Don't let me make you mad."

I waved my hands frantically, trying to push her back.

But my hand went right through her.

Mom didn't notice, walked straight through me, and reached the storage room door.

She banged on the door.

"Lily! Come out!"

"Don't think you can hide in there! Do you want these dishes to grow mold?"

Silence. No answer.

Before, I would've rushed to open the door, put on my apron, and started cleaning.

I'd always been terrified of Mom getting angry.

When she got mad, she'd say she regretted ever having me.

But today, no matter how hard she knocked, the person inside would never answer.

Mom knocked a few more times, then got even angrier when there was no response.

"Fine! Getting bold, are we?"

"Giving me the silent treatment?"

"Ryan, get the spare key. I'm dragging her out of there today!"

I hovered nearby, panicking, circling frantically.

Don't open the door.

Please, I'm begging you. Don't open it.

Not tonight.

Let me keep what's left of my dignity for one more night.

But Ryan stayed on the couch, looking irritated.

"Mom, why get so worked up over her?"

"She just wants you to coddle her, make you feel guilty."

"If you go in there, you'll play right into her hands."

"She's probably just lying there faking weakness. Then she'll start complaining about stomachaches and headaches to get money for those useless supplements."

Mom stopped knocking when she heard that.

Ryan had a point, she decided.

"You're right. That girl's full of tricks."

"Last time she said she felt sick, then guilted me into sending her two thousand dollars for medicine."

"What kind of medicine costs that much? She's probably saving up for herself!"

I opened my mouth to explain.

That wasn't supplements. It was life-saving anti-rejection medication.

And one bottle cost over three thousand. I even used a thousand I'd saved from working.

But no sound came out.

Mom scoffed, turned around, and went back to the living room.

"Not coming out? Fine."

"Starve then! No one's gonna baby her!"

"We'll see how long she lasts! Let her rot in there for all I care!"

She flipped off the living room light.

Everyone went to their rooms for the night.

The house fell silent as a tomb.

I collapsed onto the floor, letting out a shaky breath of relief.

Good. They hadn't found me.

Their words stung, but at least they'd get a good night's sleep.