The Dream That Killed Me Chapter 04

The Dream That Killed Me Chapter 04

Crack!

What no one saw coming was the sharp slap Mom landed across Dad’s face.

Her lips trembled.

“Whatever you wanted before, I let it go. But this—”

“Everyone knows what that place does—turns people into hollow shells with no soul left.”

“If you won’t go back, I will!”

Mom clenched the shattered jade in her fist. Blood dripped from between her fingers.

She looked at Claire once.

“Claire, sweetheart. Mommy’s going to check on your sister. I’ll be right back.”

“Mom!”

“Honey!”

Claire and Dad shouted behind her. She acted like she didn’t hear either of them.

I froze. Then floated in front of her.

[Mom. Let it go. Don’t fight with them over me. I’m not worth it.]

She couldn’t hear me.

I followed her home, floating behind her.

“Lily, Mommy’s home to give you your birthday.”

She set the cake down on the table.

I watched her notice the untouched food on the table, then turn toward the bathroom.

She forced a smile.

“Lily, don’t be mad at me.”

She pulled out the spare key and slid it into the lock, turning the handle.

I watched her.

Is this finally over? Can I finally leave?

But the next second, her phone rang.

“Did you see her yet? Hurry up and get back here!”

Mom held the phone in one hand, the doorknob in the other, silent.

My father’s voice was sharp, louder now.

“Think carefully. The dream’s broken, sure. But as long as Lily’s rotten nature is still in there, death could come right back around.”

“Claire has a heart condition. She can’t handle any more shocks.”

“Whatever happens, her life still matters most.”

The hand on the doorknob went still.

I heard Claire’s voice come through the phone.

“Mom, I’m scared. I miss you so much.”

My father’s voice came again.

“Choose. Lily learns her lesson, or Claire dies.”

My mother’s hand fell away.

Tears slid down her face, passing through my hand, landing on the floor.

Her voice broke.

“Lily, Mommy will be back soon. There’s cake and dinner on the table. Be good and wait, okay?”

“Just this once more, okay?”

Something cold touched the corner of my eye.

[Okay.]

[Mom. I’ll be good.]

By the time my mother reached the hospital, Claire was already having her wound treated.

I watched my father talking with someone from Ascend Academy.

“Yes, that’s right. I don’t care what methods you use.”

“In the shortest time possible, fix every bad habit she has. Turn her into the most obedient little sister there is.”

My mother tried to say something, then swallowed it.

I watched my father book four of the earliest flights to Cancún.

I couldn’t leave my parents’ side, so I went with them.

My whole life, they never once took me anywhere. Now that I’m dead, apparently, I finally get to go.

They had a wonderful time. Even Grandma was smiling.

Then my father’s phone rang.

“What? You can’t find her?”

He held back his anger and snapped at my mother:

“Call that little brat and ask where the hell she is!”

My mother, flustered, pulled out her phone and dialed.

Still no answer.

I heard the person on the other end hesitate.

“Mr. Whitmore, the ringtone seems to be coming from the bathroom. But the door’s locked. We can’t get in.”

“Are you sure Miss Whitmore is even home? The food on the table hasn’t been touched.”

“And… there’s a really strong smell of decay coming from the bathroom…”