Chapter 3

After she was discharged, Mom became a different person.

She stopped crying and stopped fighting. She quietly cooked my favorite steak, sewed the button back on my coat, and told me stories about her childhood.

"When I was your age, all I wanted was to marry someone who really loved me. Didn't matter if he had money..."

She didn't finish. She just pulled me close and held me tight.

Vanessa came over. She looked Mom up and down, thin and pale, and smiled.

"Sis, my wedding dress just arrived. Can you tell me if it fits?"

She was holding a snow-white gown, the hem studded with crystals, glittering even in the dim room.

It was the wedding Dad had once promised Mom.

He'd said: "When things settle down, I'll give you the most spectacular wedding in the world."

Now Vanessa was the bride instead.

Something moved in Mom's eyes when she saw it, but it was gone in an instant.

"Sure."

She helped Vanessa into the gown. Her hands were gentle and careful, like handling something precious.

This dress had been her dream her entire life. Now it was on someone else's body.

Vanessa turned in circles in front of the mirror, admiring herself.

"It's gorgeous. Ethan has such good taste."

She turned, a half-smile on her face.

"Don't you think, sis?"

Mom said nothing, just looked at her.

Vanessa's smile turned cruel.

"Sis, honestly, what's the point of you being alive? Your man doesn't want you, and you can't even keep your own daughter. Why don't you just—"

She leaned in close, voice dropping to barely a whisper.

"Why don't you just die."

Mom's voice came out flat as still water.

"Don't worry. I'll be leaving."

The doorbell rang.

The housekeeper brought in Mom's biological mother. She had come to congratulate Vanessa.

"Vanessa, you're such a blessing to this family! If that baby's a boy, your place as the young mistress of the Carter family will be secure."

She clutched Vanessa's hand, grinning so hard her eyes disappeared.

Mom stood in the corner like she wasn't there.

The old woman spotted her and her face soured.

"You used to throw yourself at Ethan Carter and I couldn't stop you. But he's marrying Vanessa now. What are you still doing here?"

Mom said nothing.

The woman started wailing, slapping her own thigh.

"My God, why did I end up with a daughter like you! All you know how to do is take what belongs to Vanessa!"

Mom lowered her head. Her nails dug into her palm.

Derek heard the noise and came running. One second he was curled up in Vanessa's lap, the next he spotted Mom and came at her with fists and feet.

"Why are you still here? You're not welcome in this house! I only want Vanessa as my mommy!"

Mom's body rocked under the blows.

This was the son she'd carried for nine months. The one she'd almost died to bring into the world. Now he was kicking her out like she was garbage.

Her biological mother cheered him on.

"You hear that? Even your own son doesn't want you. What are you still doing here?"

The system chimed again: [Departure accelerating. One day remaining.]

It was still dark out when Mom woke me up.

"Sandra. Mom has to go."

"Mom..."

"Don't cry."

She wiped my tears. Her own kept coming.

"Sandra, promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Find someone who really loves you. Someone who won't make you cry."

I didn't fully understand, but I nodded.

Mom smiled. She kissed my forehead and walked to the door.

I lunged after her and wrapped my arms around her legs.

"Mom! Don't go! Please don't leave me!"

I sobbed until I was screaming, but Mom still gently pried my hands loose. She turned and walked to the door, one step at a time.

Just as she was about to cross the threshold, the door flew open from outside.