Chapter 4

Dad drank too much that night. He didn't end up going to the old house to check on me.

The next morning, when he finally got up, I urged him, "Dad, it's time to check on me now!"

Suddenly, his phone rang.

"Michael! Get over here! There's a problem with the business!" His partner's voice was frantic.

Dad hung up the phone, and just like that, I was forgotten again. He rushed off in a hurry.

Mom had heard the phone call too, and she looked worried. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Please, God, let everything be okay."

I also folded my hands in a silent prayer for Dad.

However, there wouldn't be any problems because I was dead. I wouldn't be able to affect them anymore.

This time, everything would turn out fine.

Still uneasy, Mom tried to brew some calming tea. It was on the top shelf of the cupboard, so she stood on a stool to reach it.

Then, she slipped and fell off the stool. The pain made her wince.

I wanted to help her, but I was powerless.

"What's going on? What the hell is Sharon doing? When I see her, I swear I'll beat some sense into her!"

Upon hearing her words, I withdrew my hand.

Was it really all my fault?

Just then, Siena suddenly shouted, "Mom, Mr. Reyes is here!"

Mom forgot her pain. She quickly stood up and rushed out.

"Mr. Reyes, please take a look at our new house. Is there something wrong with it? Our luck's been bad lately. Is it because of Sharon? Is she still living too well?"

Mr. Reyes, the so-called shaman, strolled through the house, rubbing his goatee.

I followed him, curious.

I was already dead. Could he still blame me for all this?

Suddenly, he fixed his gaze on me, then quickly started counting on his fingers.

I jumped in surprise. Could he see me?

His brow furrowed as he mumbled to himself, "No… This isn't right. The timing, the direction… Did I miscalculate back then?"

Mom anxiously asked, "What is it, Mr. Reyes? Is that jinx causing trouble in our new house again?"

I stared at Payton too.

Payton shook his head sharply, then looked at Mom. There was an unusual hint of confusion and embarrassment in his eyes.

"Mrs. Bell, I-I may have made a mistake. When that child was born, was there heavy rain and thunder at midnight?"

Mom froze for a moment. "Yes, there was. I had a difficult birth, and there was thunder and rain."

"Oh no!" Payton slapped his thigh loudly. "She's not a jinx. She has a hidden star in her fate!"

"Hidden star?" Mom was confused.

"A hidden star won't take away your good luck. It can bear bad luck!" Payton spoke rapidly, as if he needed to correct himself.

"People born with this fate unknowingly absorb the misfortune of those close to them. She has to suffer for you to have good luck because she takes on all the bad luck herself!"

Everyone stood frozen in shock.

I was confused. Was that it? I wasn't a jinx? I didn't bring bad luck? Instead, I took on their misfortune?

What did my last ten years mean, then?

Just then, Dad came back and overheard. He shouted, "Quick, go get Sharon!"

I followed them as they rushed out.

Were they finally going to find my body?

When they arrived at the old house, they climbed the stairs quickly and opened the door.

An overwhelming stench hit them all at once. They covered their noses and gagged.

And finally, they saw me.