Chapter 1

“Brielle, you’re a lifesaver! You’ve stocked up a ton of supplies.

“Even if that official warning about a month-long heatwave is true, we’re all set for now.”

The memory of being consumed by the fire was still raw when my sister, Eleanor’s voice, cut into my thoughts.

“Hey, Brielle, you should go get some more. If we stockpile supplies, we’ll be able to help others as well.”

I stared blankly at her. I clearly remembered the fire. I should have perished with her.

When I did not react, Eleanor pushed me.

“Hello? I’m talking to you! Are you even listening?”

I nodded and said, “I heard you.”

The palpable reality of it all hit me. I had gone back in time!

Not just that, I had also gone back to the day before the nightmare began.

Eleanor kept muttering, “That’s more like it. I’ve always told you that you need to control your temper and learn to be kind. That way, you’ll become a better person.”

That was exactly how it happened in the past. I tried to be patient and listened to her and our mother.

Not only did I spend all my savings, but I also stockpiled a massive amount of supplies even though we already had enough.

But within days of my desperate efforts to secure those supplies, she gave them away to some neighbors who had not made it to the store in time.

Seeing me still motionless, she said again, “Hurry and go! What’re you just standing there for?”

I wiped the sweat from my brow and licked my cracked lips. Then, I walked to the fridge, pulled out an ice-cold soda, and downed it in one go.

Only then did the burning, parched feeling finally cool down.

I then looked at her and said, “Let’s go together.”

Eleanor was momentarily stunned when I invited her along. She was accustomed to ordering me around like I was her servant.

She swiftly said, “Are you kidding? It’s so hot outside! I could die from the heat. No, thank you. I’m staying put.

“You’re strong and experienced. If I tag along, I’ll just slow you down.”

So, they knew it was dangerously hot out there.

Back then, the temperature had soared to 115 °F, but they did not bat an eye. They just ordered me back out to stock up on more supplies.

I smiled and looked at my mother. “An extra pair of hands would be helpful. Besides, if Eleanor is worried about the heat, she can just put on proper sun-protective clothing and bring along an umbrella.

“Mom, how about you come with me instead?”

My mother naturally felt reluctant. She looked at Eleanor and said, “Just go with Brielle since she asked. An extra pair of hands is useful. I’m too old to endure such high temperatures.”

They could not endure the heat, but they expected me to do it.

Eleanor had no choice. She could only follow me out the door with a sullen look on her face.

In the past, my mother had always been biased toward Eleanor.

I had always believed it was because I was not hardworking or obedient enough.

It was not until I was on the brink of death that I discovered the real reason.