Chapter 4

I felt so wronged that I wanted to cry. However, I couldn’t shed a single tear.

I wanted to hug Mom and tell her not to be angry.

‘I never meant to dirty the room on purpose. I’m actually a neat freak.

‘I don’t know why my body is leaking yellow fluid or why it smells so bad.

‘I want to take a shower… I don’t want the rats to eat my body…’

Just then, Mom’s phone rang. It was a notification from the class group chat with good news.

[Congratulations to Ellie Wagner! Her writing “My Mom” won first prize in a local competition and has been shortlisted for the state competition. Please take note, Mrs. Wagner!]

That’s great. My writing won an award.

I revised that writing so many times and poured so much of my heart into it. It was filled with my most genuine feelings for Mom.

The group chat was instantly flooded with congratulations.

[Mrs. Wagner, you’re amazing! How did you raise such a well-rounded child?]

[Seriously, I’m so jealous! You have to share your parenting tips so we can learn too!]

Mom started typing.

[Sorry, Ms. Fuller, we would like to withdraw from the competition.

[A daughter like mine doesn’t deserve to win. She deliberately goes against the family, framed Liam, and even relieved herself in her room.

[I believe academic performance is secondary. Character matters more. Don’t you agree?

[I don’t want to contribute an immoral person to society, so we are withdrawing!]

[Oh my God, what’s the use of good grades? If my daughter were like that, I wouldn’t even want her for free…]

[Yeah, she really needs stricter discipline. This is too much.]

After a long silence, Ms. Fuller finally spoke up. [Mrs. Wagner, could there be some misunderstanding? Ellie is usually very polite!]

I hovered in midair, panicking. I tried to stop Mom’s fingers from typing, but I could only watch helplessly as my transparent hand passed straight through her phone.

There was nothing I could do.

My heart felt like it was being tightened by vines, wrapped over and over, as if an invisible hand was gripping it tightly.

The more I struggled, the more it hurt.

‘Mom, that writing contained my truest feelings for you. I listened to you. I tried to be a polite, good child.

‘I greeted everyone I met. I finished my homework on time. I worked hard. I was obedient and sensible.

‘So why are you slandering me in front of my classmates?

‘I didn’t do those things…’

At that moment, Liam ran over and began scribbling on the wall, leaving the newly renovated white wall covered with filthy curse words.

Some of them were insults about me.

“Mom, look! My masterpiece!”

My heart tightened instantly. Mom would definitely scold Liam, and I didn’t want her to be angry anymore.

She looked up at the wall and froze for a moment. Then she hugged Liam and kissed him hard.

“My son is amazing! You’ll definitely be a great artist in the future!

“Liam, don’t ever learn from your sister. I just want you to grow up happy!”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t!”

After that, he shoved my shattered trophies aside and continued his crude graffiti.

Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks broke the warmth in the room.

When the door opened, it was Ms. Fuller, who had always treated me like her own daughter.

“Mrs. Wagner, I came to talk in detail. It’s such a pity to withdraw like this. Ellie shouldn’t be that kind of child.

“Is there some misunderstanding?”

She was still gentle, her face wearing her usual kind smile.

Seeing Mom’s cold expression, Dad quickly invited the teacher inside, poured tea, and set out a fruit plate.

“Winnie’s probably just too anxious. Ellie’s been acting up lately.

“Please don’t mind it. I’ll have Ellie come out right now.”

Dad looked like he had seen a savior. He immediately moved toward the storage room door.

“Don’t bother with that damn girl! If anyone opens that door today, I won’t let it go!”

“Mrs. Wagner, are you sure there hasn’t been some misunderstanding? Ellie has always been polite. She’s exceptionally gifted. Please don’t do anything extreme.

“Ellie has an extraordinary memory. With headphones on, she can memorize a hundred Spanish words in ten minutes…”

Before she could finish, the word “headphones” made Mom’s eyes widen instantly, as if she had suddenly realized something.

My nose stung as I listened. Ms. Fuller had always valued me. It felt so good to be remembered and defended.

‘Headphones…’ Mom’s eyes were suddenly filled with terror. Her body began to tremble, as if all her strength had been drained.

She barely managed to steady herself by holding onto the dining table.

“Honey… go open the storage room door… check on Ellie…”

Ms. Fuller’s eyes widened. “You lock children in the storage room? This is absurd! You requested sick leave for several days. I thought she wasn’t feeling well.

“I never imagined you locked her in there?!”

My usually gentle teacher, who never lost her temper, now had bloodshot eyes and shouted uncontrollably at Mom.

“Why are you yelling? I prepared water and food for her. I let her reflect inside. I’m her mother. Would I abuse her?

“She’s a living person. What danger could there be?”

Mom seemed to be hiding something, lashing out in anger.

“Ahhhh!”

Dad had already rushed to open the storage room door, only for him to let out a horrifying scream.

Hearing that scream from the living room, Mom collapsed to the floor instantly.

My teacher rushed forward in one stride.

Then she stood frozen, speechless at the sight in front of her.