Chapter 4

"I just want Mom to be safe and healthy."

Hearing this, my dad glared at me with pure anger. "What birthday? You're nothing but an eyesore. Get back to your room."

He dumped the pasta my mom had made into the trash. I never got to eat it.

Later, Gwen purposely came to my room, her words sharp as a poisoned knife.

"You still want to eat my mom’s pasta? You’re shameless.

"Why don’t you just die, you cursed wretch?"

Furious, I pushed her, and she hit her head against the door.

That night, my dad locked me in the basement for the first time, and it marked the beginning of my misfortune.

It was so dark. I was too scared to breathe and did not dare call out for my mom. All I could do was pound on the door with all my strength.

The nightmares would not leave me. It was as if I could hear the sound of clothes being torn apart.

I curled up in pain, calling out for my grandma over and over, begging her to come save me.

The fear overwhelmed me.

The next time I woke up, I was in the