Chapter 4

The next morning, Phoebe and Lydia wore their new dresses to school. Mom personally did their hair.

“Our Phoebe is so pretty.” She touched Phoebe’s face, lost in thought, as if looking at someone else.

Phoebe smiled sweetly, “It’s all because of Mom’s good taste, making us look so nice.”

Dad came over and handed them each a gift card, “Pocket money. If it’s not enough, just ask Dad.”

I stood at the top of the stairs with my old backpack, unnoticed by anyone.

“Nora,” Mom suddenly called me, “After school, pull out the weeds in the garden. Don’t be lazy.”

“Got it, Mom,” I replied hoarsely.

Phoebe passed by me, deliberately bumping into me, and whispered, “What a pity.”

After school, I walked home slowly, not wanting to face that house.

When I opened the door, Phoebe and Lydia were on the sofa eating fruit, and Mom was peeling grapes for them, not even glancing at me.

I put down my backpack and silently went to the backyard.

The garden was overgrown with weeds, and I squatted down, pulling them out one by one.

My fingers got scratched and bled, but I didn’t stop.

“Nora!” Dad suddenly shouted behind me.

I flinched and turned around.

“You’re pulling out the flowers!” He stormed over and slapped me across the face.

My vision went dark, and I fell to the ground.

“Useless! You can’t even do this right!” He grabbed my collar and dragged me up, “If your sister were alive, she’d never be as worthless as you!”

My face burned with pain, but I didn’t cry.

Phoebe stood in the doorway, holding an ice cream, a smile on her lips.

“Dad, don’t be mad.” She walked over and held his arm, “Maybe my sister didn’t mean to.”

“Didn’t mean to?” Dad snorted, “She did it on purpose! She’s been jealous of Esme since childhood, and now she won’t even spare the flowers!”

I opened my mouth to explain but ended up saying nothing.

What’s the point of explaining? They never believe me.

In this house, I live worse than an outsider.