Death and Insanity

Chapter 2 Going HomeMy spirit wafted back home—a luxurious villa standing in the suburbs.It looked like a lurking beast in the darkness, never giving me any warmth.The light of a desk lamp illuminated Dexter's stern face. He was dealing with company matters, with his brows furrowing.He glanced at the time on his phone, showing a hint of impatience and anger.After a while, he unlocked his phone and tried to call someone.Seemingly unable to connect, he cursed and hung up.He swept everything off the table. I knew about his hot temper."Caroline, you've grown bold. How dare you block me?"He angrily smashed things around. "If you are so capable, never come back. Just die out there."My nose tingled.Even though I was dead, I still felt sad about his harsh words."Dexter, you got your wish. I really died out there."I watched as the last remnants of the setting sun faded away in the distance.It seemed to take away the last trace of warmth within me.

Chapter 4 Caring about DexterDexter was ten years older than me and had a difficult life.Since our dad became depressed, our family business had declined.Dexter excelled in his studies and skipped grades. By the time he was twenty, he had already graduated from college and started working at the company.Fresh out of college, he became the CEO of the Bell Corporation.He worked very hard, and I respected him for that.When he attended social events and came back late, I would make him sobering soup and leave it on the table.In the morning, I would wake up early to make him oatmeal.When he rubbed his tired eyes, I used the pocket money I had saved for a month to replace the dazzling desk lamp on his desk. I also placed eye drops and vitamins on his table.I ironed his shirts just like our mother used to do.I wanted to silently take care of him and relieve some of his stress.Without him, we might not have been able to afford such a big house.Actually, I didn't care ab

Chapter 6 Little PrincessI saw the anger on Dexter's face turn into a smile as he lay back on the sofa.I knew why.It was almost time for our non-blood-related sister to finish school.When I was in elementary school, my little sister came to live with us.She was said to look like our late mother.That was why Dexter was always nice to her.I often wondered if things would be better if I had been more like my mother.At least, my dad and brother wouldn't hate me so much.Lana Bell bounced her way toward Dexter's car, wearing a pristine white mermaid dress. Her nose was touchingly red, and her smile radiant.She truly was a princess who had been pampered since childhood.She knew how to please my brother and dad. She could easily get others' love, unlike me, who was not good at talking and was too afraid to speak up.Every time I tried to question or cry, Dexter would respond with even greater insults and violence.Dexter put Lana on his lap and rubbed her face."You ar

Chapter 8 The BullyWhen Lana first arrived, she was relatively nice to me, at least at home.She would timidly follow behind me, calling me sister with a smile.Until she realized that my dad ignored me and my brother treated me poorly, she started treating me badly too.That was when I realized that Lana didn't really love to smile.She once trapped me in the school restroom, allowing other girls to grab my hair and pin me to the ground.Blows landed on my body, parts covered by my clothes. It was a way to teach me a lesson without leaving bruises or marks."Caroline, don't hate me."If you want to hate someone, hate your brother."He allowed all of this. Otherwise, how could I, an adopted daughter, be so bold?"Her words made sense. If it weren't for Dexter's consent, she wouldn't have dared bully me like this.It looked like Dexter really wanted me dead.My hope of Dexter's rescue was dashed, and I started to beg Lana for mercy."It hurts."I was in too much pain to s

Chapter 10 Hatred and RevengeAfter I fell ill, my temper became bad.My attitude toward Lana and Dexter worsened.I did poorly in the monthly exam, but I still managed to score better than Lana.I was happy that, at least in terms of academics, I was better than her.I raised my eyes and met her hateful gaze.Then her mouth curled into a sinister smile.At first, I didn't understand what it meant until she left with a few people.Soon after, rumors spread in class that I was a jinx who caused my mother's death.When I returned to my seat during the break, I found dead snakes and poisonous spiders stuffed into my desk.My chair and table were replaced with ones that couldn't be used.The physical humiliation wasn't good enough for Lana, and she resorted to psychological torture. On the way out of school, she flashed a proud smile at me, her round eyes hiding filthy things.I was so angry that my mind went blank.I threw my textbook at her with all my might, hitting her h