Chapter 1

That year, when I was five, my sister and I were kidnapped.

After we were rescued, Mom slapped me across the face.

“If you hadn’t thrown a fit about going outside, Holly wouldn’t have been hurt and ended up with her mind crippled!”

From that day on, I became the family’s sinner.

When Holly’s wheelchair needed to go up the steps, and my strength wasn't enough, Mom would pinch my arm hard.

When Holly’s candy fell into the drain, Mom forced me to dig it out with my bare hands.

Dad tried to ease the tension between us, but Mom snapped at him,

“She ruined Holly’s mind, she deserves to die!”

It wasn't until Holly was playing in the yard and the big brother next door took her to his basement.

I cried as I pushed Holly out, but I was dragged in myself.

When I came home covered in blood, Mom just pointed a furious finger at me and snarled:

“Willow Song, who are you trying to scare looking like that?”

“How could I have given birth to such a worthless child? I wish I’d never had a daughter like you!”

I quietly pulled out a red cloth pouch from deep inside my closet.

Inside was the golden pendant Mom used to give me, shaped like a heart, which she carved herself.

I stared at it for a long time, then calmly swallowed it.

Mom, I don't want your love anymore.

I just want you to be happy forever.