Chapter 2

Iris heard laughter from within when she arrived home. She stared at the sky, where the crimson clouds seemed to be mocking her loneliness. Ever since her parents brought Erica home, she felt like an extra. Did she really have to give everything to Erica just because the latter's dad sacrificed his life to save hers? Iris had given Erica her toys, clothes, and now her parents' love. Even Keith had ditched Iris for her cousin. Iris felt like a wandering spirit in this world. As she stood by the door, she felt like she was stabbed in the chest when she heard the laughter from within. Blood seemed to seep out of her body into the floorboards underneath her feet, forming a large shadow that swallowed her whole. Finally, she pushed open the door, and the laughter promptly ceased. Her presence appeared to have interrupted their family time. Her mom, Rosanne Wells, pointed at a small stool nearby, where a plate with barely any food on it rested. In comparison, the dishes on their table were overflowing with meat. From when Iris was a child, her parents had given Erica the best, claiming that the latter needed all the nutrients to grow well. They forced Iris to be "thoughtful" and to give up her place and her food to Erica. All Iris had was a bed on the balcony, and her food was just some salad. It had never occurred to Iris' parents that Iris was just six months older than Erica. Iris, too, needed the proper nutrients for growth. Rosanne got up and placed a piece of grilled fish on Iris' plate. Smiling, she said to Iris, "This is your favorite dish. Hurry up and take a seat." Iris was expressionless as she said, "Mom, I'm allergic to fish. Erica is the one who loves fish." This time, Rosanne wasn't as impatient as before. She didn't scold Iris for being troublesome. Instead, she stared into Iris' eyes, displaying a rare friendliness. "Have you talked to the school? Give up your place at Bellevue University to Erica. You have good grades anyway. You can just retake the admission exam next year." Iris fell silent. It was then that Rosanne's tone shifted. Sounding stern, she snapped, "You can't say no, surely? You owe Erica a life! Giving up your spot at Bellevue University is not that big of a deal. You should be more thoughtful." Despite being subjected to the same treatment multiple times, Iris still felt hurt by Rosanne's blatant favoritism. Her dad, Thomas Burnett, slammed his utensils on the table and suddenly slapped Iris with fury as though she were an enemy. "How did I raise an ungrateful daughter like you? If you don't agree, just move out of this house! I don't have a daughter like you." Iris felt her head buzz. A red mark appeared on her cheek. She faced the angry gazes of her parents. It felt like she had been whipped, and she trembled from head to toe. Meanwhile, Erica wiped her tears away, looking pitiful. "Don't force Iris against her will! It pains my heart. I guess I'm just not meant to further my studies, and that's not her fault! It's my fate to be unloved." Thomas and Rosanne immediately went up to comfort Erica, promising that they'd make Iris give up her place at Bellevue University and shower her with gifts. Erica finally stopped crying and looked at Iris, who had paled. "Iris, I've never thought of taking anything from you. I can leave if it bothers you." That set Thomas off. He glared at Iris. "Are you happy now? You've made a scene at home. Apologize to Erica now!" Iris wiped off the blood stain from the corner of her lips. Her eyes scanned the faces around her. Her family was trying to force her into a dead-end. When Thomas was about to lay a hand on her, Keith finally said, "Iris has agreed to give up her place at Bellevue University. She's talked to the school about it today." Thomas' and Rosanne's expressions finally relaxed as they harrumphed. After some thought, Rosanne fixed her gaze on Iris. "I'm glad that you're being sensible. Since Erica is attending university, why don't you take up part-time jobs to help pay her tuition fees? Remember—you owe that to her." Iris stared blankly at the woman who had birthed her. She wondered how Rosanne could say something so cruel. But Rosanne seemed oblivious to her daughter's reaction. She ordered, "Work part-time after summer break. It's not like you have anything to do at home." Thomas nodded in agreement. After that, the family engaged in a discussion about throwing a celebratory party for Erica. After all, getting into Bellevue University made Erica the pride of the family. No one paid Iris any attention. Her existence was akin to a trash can in the family—only remembered and used when needed. When her family didn't need her, they would cast her away without hesitation. Before Iris knew it, she was already lying in bed. Her chest was numb from the pain. Staying in this family devoid of warmth was suffocating. Her blanket, which she had used for over a decade and just enough to cover half of her body, was already moldy and damp. In contrast, Erica had a bright, spacious bedroom filled with toys and candies. Iris could only sleep on the narrow balcony, enduring the elements for over ten years. Her heart was cold in the middle of summer. Staring at the night sky, she thought, "One more month, and I can leave this loveless place." Since her family did not need her, she decided to disappear for good.