The Family Photo That Had Four People And No Me Chapter 03

The Family Photo That Had Four People And No Me Chapter 03

Beep…

The door opened.

I walked in, instinctively reaching for a pair of disposable slippers, only to see a new pair of purple slippers on the floor.

In this house, everyone had their own color.

Lily was pink.

Madison was yellow.

Mom was red.

Dad was blue.

My color was white. Because the disposable stuff was almost always white.

White disposable slippers. White toothbrush. White towel.

I used them countless times.

Last time, my disposable slippers tore.

I asked Mom if she could buy me a normal pair.

Mom thought for a moment and asked what color I liked.

I said quietly, “purple.”

After school, I opened the shoe cabinet with excitement. I saw a stack of disposable slippers.

“The lady next door works at a hotel. She gave you all these. Remember to thank her.”

I crouched down and looked at the purple bunny slippers.

I carefully peeled off the tag and put them on.

They fit perfectly.

Warmth spread through my chest. I thought, Mom still cares about me.

I just took out my phone to take a picture of the bunny slippers.

The front door opened.

Mom’s eyes landed on my slippers. She screamed.

“You little brat. Why did you put on the new slippers?”

I froze and asked, “Aren’t these for me?”

Madison laughed. “Wren, you’re about to apply to college. What do you need new slippers for?”

“These are for Dad’s mentor’s daughter.”

“His daughter is visiting. She’s staying with us for a few days.”

I couldn’t help asking, “She’s only here for a few days. Can’t she wear disposable slippers?”

“Of course not.” Mom glared at me. “She’s a guest. How can we let a guest wear disposable slippers?”

Mom pushed me and made me take them off. She looked at the soles and scolded me. “You really are something. You put them on without asking.”

“You said you would buy me a pair. I thought”

“Forget it. I’ll go wash them.”

I held the slippers and walked toward the bathroom.

Madison called me and threw her jacket over my head.

“I got it dirty when I went out. Hand wash it for me.”

She sat down next to Mom and Dad.

They talked about the fun they had at the aquarium.

Mom frowned and said the food at the aquarium was too expensive. Next time they should bring their own food.

Dad laughed and said as long as the kids are happy.

Nobody asked me what I ate today. If I was hungry.