Share

Chapter 2

Author: Steward of Time
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-23 11:22:40
April 4th was my brother, David Frost’s birthday.

While I lay alone, helpless, down on my last breath, my parents sat together at home, celebrating the birthday of their beloved son.

A sharp pain suddenly clenched at my heart, and tears blurred my vision, making it impossible to see the calendar in the lobby or the nurse’s face.

“So, being a ghost is just like being alive… you can cry, you can feel pain...” I thought to myself.

The nurse seemed as stunned as I was.

After a long pause, she gathered herself, her voice quivering slightly as she conveyed the news of my death to my parents.

“Could you please let us know when the family will come to arrange for the death certificate, claim the body, and—”

Before she could finish, a sharp voice on the other end interrupted her.

“Claim the body? We’ve severed all ties with her. She’s not part of our family anymore. Do whatever you want with her. We don’t care.

“Bury her, burn her—just don’t bother us again. You’ve ruined our day.”

The nurse, stung by the harsh words, stood frozen for a moment before she erupted into a tirade, yelling into the phone.

"What kind of parents are you? Where’s your compassion and love for your own daughter?

"Do you even know... do you know that when she was suffering through her chemotherapy, delirious and unable to distinguish reality, she kept calling for you and Mr. Frost?"

Her voice grew softer, and the sobs she had been holding back finally broke free.

But my parents had already hung up, the only sound was the busy signal on the other end.

"I guess I’ve got super-hearing now," I said as I forced a laugh through my tears.

"I definitely wouldn’t have been able to hear so clearly through the phone otherwise."

I reached out to wipe away the nurse’s tears, but my hand passed right through her. Just as I sighed, a distant, ethereal voice reached my ears.

It was hard to decide whether it was a man or a woman, real or an illusion.

The voice asked me what I wanted most in my life.

I thought for a long time, then whispered the word, "Love."

In the next moment, blinding white light filled my vision.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day I had won the lottery.

Related chapters

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 3

    I stared blankly at the familiar yet strange surroundings, my gaze fixed on the convenience store owner, whose face had turned red with excitement. In his hand, the ticket still bore the numbers that would change my fate. Yet, I felt nothing. I stood there, detached, almost absent, and asked the man, "Excuse me, could you tell me the date?"The owner, still caught up in his excitement, looked at me in confusion. "It's January 4th, dear. You must have been so happy you’ve gone a bit daft!"Hey, could I take a photo with you later? It’ll really promote the store. Those unlucky folks keep saying we don’t have any winners here. Well, I’ll show them! Not only do we have a winner, but it's a two-million-dollar jackpot!"My mind was a mess, tangled like a ball of yarn. I nodded absentmindedly, and it took me a long while to fully grasp the fact that I had been reborn. I was at a loss for what to do when a text message startled me.[Ms. Celeste Frost, the hospital recommends you

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 4

    I stood frozen in place, too stunned to move. I glanced at the shoe rack by the door and then at the brand-new slippers on the floor. Everything felt strangely unsettling.Something was off, I was sure of it.My parents had never liked me. They never willingly bought me anything. Even when the school required uniform purchases, if I asked them for money, they would complain about how I was such a burden.I was still lost in thought when Mommy spoke. She sounded concerned."What’s wrong, Celeste? Why aren’t you coming in? "I made a huge spread for you. Dinner’s ready."I nodded hurriedly and slipped on the slippers. They were a size smaller than the shoes I usually wore, but somehow, I still felt a sense of warmth in my chest.So what if they were a bit tight? After all, this was the first time in two lifetimes that Daddy had ever bought something for me.The atmosphere at the dinner table felt even stranger. Daddy and David grinned at me, their smiles were not

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 5

    They paused, clearly taken aback. The air became awkward and tense. It wasn’t until David returned with my cutlery that the mood began to ease. “Why isn’t anyone eating? What’s going on?” he asked shakily.It was odd considering the circumstances. Before I could dwell on it, I felt Mommy’s hand press gently against my forehead. “No fever… Why are you acting so strangely, Celeste? Did something happen?” I shook my head as I fixed my gaze on her.“Today isn’t someone’s birthday, is it?” I asked softly. “Don’t you remember?” she asked.I froze for a moment, pulled out my phone, and checked the date. The screen lit up, the bold red marking of January 4th glaring back at me. It burned into my eyes and offered no sense of relief for my current state of confusion. “My… birthday? “These dishes… were they made because it’s my birthday?” My lips trembled as I spoke, the words struggling to form. For reasons I couldn’t quite understand, unease stirred in my chest. Only when

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 6

    After swallowing two pills with a sip of water, I lay down on the bed. Perhaps it was the brightness of the moonlight outside, or maybe my unsettled thoughts, but sleep eluded me no matter how long I tossed and turned. Finally, I sat up and pulled out the emancipation agreement I had tucked into my bag. My fingers lingered on its edges as I deliberated. After what felt like an eternity, I exhaled and tore the paper into tiny pieces. As I flushed the shredded fragments down the toilet, I was surprised by an overwhelming sense of relief that came over me. I caught my reflection in the mirror. My red-rimmed eyes were filled with reproach. "You fool," the other me seemed to say. "Haven't you learned your lesson? Have you already forgotten how they treated you in your other life?" I shook my head, as though trying to refute her silent accusations, but when I looked again, the mirror had returned to normal. It was just my exhaustion talking. I sighed deeply and rested my fo

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 7

    At bedtime, as Mommy was about to return to her bedroom, I hesitated but called out to her, my voice tinged with uncertainty and apprehension. “Mommy, can I… sleep with you tonight?” She stood frozen in place for what felt like an eternity, her silence stretching thin over my fraying nerves. Cold sweat prickled at my back, and doubts clawed at my mind. If I didn’t find an answer to my suspicions tonight, I knew they would haunt me endlessly. Finally, under my hopeful gaze, she nodded. Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. My heart began to race again as I followed her into her bedroom. I climbed into bed with deliberate care and pulled the blanket over myself. The familiar scent of laundry detergent clung to the fabric, oddly soothing. Breathing it in, I felt a strange fog settle over my thoughts. Without realizing it, I instinctively moved closer to her, seeking the comfort of her embrace. But the moment my head touched her rigid shoulder, I snapped back to

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 8

    After getting some clarity that night, I felt a lot more at ease. Even during dinner, I found a sense of comfort as I ate the eggs Mommy handed me. Then an unexpected thought crossed my mind, and I blurted it out without thinking. "Can we go back to our hometown today? To visit Grandma's grave… is that alright?"As soon as I mentioned Grandma, both of my parents' expressions changed. I immediately knew I had said something wrong but I stubbornly waited for their response.After all, Grandma had been the one person who treated me the best when she was alive. After she passed away, I would visit her grave every year. But this year, in my previous life, I was diagnosed with cancer and didn't make it past April 4th.If life and death cannot be changed, and I am destined to leave, then I wanted to make sure Grandma was properly cared for before I went. I feared that no one else would honor her after my passing. She had endured a lifetime of hardship and I often prayed tha

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 9

    After I returned home, the relationship between Mommy and me became awkward. When we exchanged glances, neither of us could find the right words to say. She looked at me anxiously, but I avoided her gaze. I still harbored some resentment from our exchange at the graveyard.Unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, I made up an excuse that I had a business trip when in fact I had decided to stay near the hospital. During the day, I went for treatment, and at night, I walked around the streets to clear my mind.When I finally gathered my emotions and returned home, I opened the door to find the house strangely quiet. My parents, who would usually sit on the couch waiting for me, were not there. Instead, the house felt empty and lifeless.Confused, I stepped inside and then saw Daddy emerging from the bedroom. In the two days I had been away, he looked disheveled, his eyes red and hollow. He hadn't even shaved. Just as I was about to ask him what had happened, David stum

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23
  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 10

    I had too much to drink and woke frequently in the night. As I tiptoed toward the bathroom for what felt like the hundredth time, I noticed a faint light shining through the crack of my parents' bedroom door. I was about to knock and remind them to sleep earlier when I heard David’s voice."Mommy, I'm really fed up with this life! Every day, I have to pretend to be the perfect brother to her. I’m losing my mind!"When will that bitch finally bring up the two million she won? My girlfriend is pregnant, and her family is already pushing me to get engaged!"Perhaps worried that David’s voice would carry, Daddy tried to shush him so he wouldn’t wake me up. "I put sleeping pills in her milk. She won’t wake up even if an earthquake were to hit," Mommy said, sounding slightly irritated."Does this pretending to be sick even work? I cried myself hoarse today, and she didn’t even say she’d give me the card. She's the same ungrateful wretch she had always been."But at least, you know

    Last Updated : 2024-11-23

Latest chapter

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 11

    She remained silent, her eyes fixed greedily on the cards on the table. Then she picked one up, caressed it, and asked me what the PIN was. I stared at her face, watching it flush with excitement."My birthday," I said coldly.She looked at me and then muttered, "Zero-one-zero-four," repeatedly, oblivious to my lowered gaze. "Mommy, my birthday has never been January 4th."My shoe size is six. I don't like spicy food. I'm allergic to milk, which makes me break out in hives. And January 4th isn't my birthday."When you asked me what I wished for, I told you that saying it out loud would make it not come true. “The truth is, I didn’t know what to wish for on such a strange day, sitting before a table full of food I didn’t like. "I have to say though, your acting was impressive. There were many moments when you almost convinced me. "Unfortunately, Mommy, the love you acted out was far from sincere."With just a glance, I could spot a thousand flaws.” I could no longer s

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 10

    I had too much to drink and woke frequently in the night. As I tiptoed toward the bathroom for what felt like the hundredth time, I noticed a faint light shining through the crack of my parents' bedroom door. I was about to knock and remind them to sleep earlier when I heard David’s voice."Mommy, I'm really fed up with this life! Every day, I have to pretend to be the perfect brother to her. I’m losing my mind!"When will that bitch finally bring up the two million she won? My girlfriend is pregnant, and her family is already pushing me to get engaged!"Perhaps worried that David’s voice would carry, Daddy tried to shush him so he wouldn’t wake me up. "I put sleeping pills in her milk. She won’t wake up even if an earthquake were to hit," Mommy said, sounding slightly irritated."Does this pretending to be sick even work? I cried myself hoarse today, and she didn’t even say she’d give me the card. She's the same ungrateful wretch she had always been."But at least, you know

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 9

    After I returned home, the relationship between Mommy and me became awkward. When we exchanged glances, neither of us could find the right words to say. She looked at me anxiously, but I avoided her gaze. I still harbored some resentment from our exchange at the graveyard.Unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, I made up an excuse that I had a business trip when in fact I had decided to stay near the hospital. During the day, I went for treatment, and at night, I walked around the streets to clear my mind.When I finally gathered my emotions and returned home, I opened the door to find the house strangely quiet. My parents, who would usually sit on the couch waiting for me, were not there. Instead, the house felt empty and lifeless.Confused, I stepped inside and then saw Daddy emerging from the bedroom. In the two days I had been away, he looked disheveled, his eyes red and hollow. He hadn't even shaved. Just as I was about to ask him what had happened, David stum

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 8

    After getting some clarity that night, I felt a lot more at ease. Even during dinner, I found a sense of comfort as I ate the eggs Mommy handed me. Then an unexpected thought crossed my mind, and I blurted it out without thinking. "Can we go back to our hometown today? To visit Grandma's grave… is that alright?"As soon as I mentioned Grandma, both of my parents' expressions changed. I immediately knew I had said something wrong but I stubbornly waited for their response.After all, Grandma had been the one person who treated me the best when she was alive. After she passed away, I would visit her grave every year. But this year, in my previous life, I was diagnosed with cancer and didn't make it past April 4th.If life and death cannot be changed, and I am destined to leave, then I wanted to make sure Grandma was properly cared for before I went. I feared that no one else would honor her after my passing. She had endured a lifetime of hardship and I often prayed tha

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 7

    At bedtime, as Mommy was about to return to her bedroom, I hesitated but called out to her, my voice tinged with uncertainty and apprehension. “Mommy, can I… sleep with you tonight?” She stood frozen in place for what felt like an eternity, her silence stretching thin over my fraying nerves. Cold sweat prickled at my back, and doubts clawed at my mind. If I didn’t find an answer to my suspicions tonight, I knew they would haunt me endlessly. Finally, under my hopeful gaze, she nodded. Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. My heart began to race again as I followed her into her bedroom. I climbed into bed with deliberate care and pulled the blanket over myself. The familiar scent of laundry detergent clung to the fabric, oddly soothing. Breathing it in, I felt a strange fog settle over my thoughts. Without realizing it, I instinctively moved closer to her, seeking the comfort of her embrace. But the moment my head touched her rigid shoulder, I snapped back to

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 6

    After swallowing two pills with a sip of water, I lay down on the bed. Perhaps it was the brightness of the moonlight outside, or maybe my unsettled thoughts, but sleep eluded me no matter how long I tossed and turned. Finally, I sat up and pulled out the emancipation agreement I had tucked into my bag. My fingers lingered on its edges as I deliberated. After what felt like an eternity, I exhaled and tore the paper into tiny pieces. As I flushed the shredded fragments down the toilet, I was surprised by an overwhelming sense of relief that came over me. I caught my reflection in the mirror. My red-rimmed eyes were filled with reproach. "You fool," the other me seemed to say. "Haven't you learned your lesson? Have you already forgotten how they treated you in your other life?" I shook my head, as though trying to refute her silent accusations, but when I looked again, the mirror had returned to normal. It was just my exhaustion talking. I sighed deeply and rested my fo

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 5

    They paused, clearly taken aback. The air became awkward and tense. It wasn’t until David returned with my cutlery that the mood began to ease. “Why isn’t anyone eating? What’s going on?” he asked shakily.It was odd considering the circumstances. Before I could dwell on it, I felt Mommy’s hand press gently against my forehead. “No fever… Why are you acting so strangely, Celeste? Did something happen?” I shook my head as I fixed my gaze on her.“Today isn’t someone’s birthday, is it?” I asked softly. “Don’t you remember?” she asked.I froze for a moment, pulled out my phone, and checked the date. The screen lit up, the bold red marking of January 4th glaring back at me. It burned into my eyes and offered no sense of relief for my current state of confusion. “My… birthday? “These dishes… were they made because it’s my birthday?” My lips trembled as I spoke, the words struggling to form. For reasons I couldn’t quite understand, unease stirred in my chest. Only when

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 4

    I stood frozen in place, too stunned to move. I glanced at the shoe rack by the door and then at the brand-new slippers on the floor. Everything felt strangely unsettling.Something was off, I was sure of it.My parents had never liked me. They never willingly bought me anything. Even when the school required uniform purchases, if I asked them for money, they would complain about how I was such a burden.I was still lost in thought when Mommy spoke. She sounded concerned."What’s wrong, Celeste? Why aren’t you coming in? "I made a huge spread for you. Dinner’s ready."I nodded hurriedly and slipped on the slippers. They were a size smaller than the shoes I usually wore, but somehow, I still felt a sense of warmth in my chest.So what if they were a bit tight? After all, this was the first time in two lifetimes that Daddy had ever bought something for me.The atmosphere at the dinner table felt even stranger. Daddy and David grinned at me, their smiles were not

  • A Prayer for Love   Chapter 3

    I stared blankly at the familiar yet strange surroundings, my gaze fixed on the convenience store owner, whose face had turned red with excitement. In his hand, the ticket still bore the numbers that would change my fate. Yet, I felt nothing. I stood there, detached, almost absent, and asked the man, "Excuse me, could you tell me the date?"The owner, still caught up in his excitement, looked at me in confusion. "It's January 4th, dear. You must have been so happy you’ve gone a bit daft!"Hey, could I take a photo with you later? It’ll really promote the store. Those unlucky folks keep saying we don’t have any winners here. Well, I’ll show them! Not only do we have a winner, but it's a two-million-dollar jackpot!"My mind was a mess, tangled like a ball of yarn. I nodded absentmindedly, and it took me a long while to fully grasp the fact that I had been reborn. I was at a loss for what to do when a text message startled me.[Ms. Celeste Frost, the hospital recommends you

DMCA.com Protection Status