Chapter 2

Three hours slipped by. By the time I returned home, darkness had settled in.

While my family had long since finished eating, I was left with an empty stomach. With nothing else in the kitchen, I could only nibble on a few pieces of fruit.

All of a sudden, Heidi appeared before me. She was brimming with energy, showing none of the weakness she had displayed after nearly drowning. I couldn't help but question whether she had truly been in danger.

Without saying a single word, she held my gaze, her eyes heavy with sorrow. In that instant, her timid inner voice spoke to me: "It looks like I've misunderstood Daniella's actions today… I wonder if she can forgive me.

"I was so panicked at the time that I couldn't see straight. My own ignorance caused me to misjudge her. I hope she won't be upset…"

Although doubt pricked at me, I brushed off her inner voice and continued to eat.

Meanwhile, Heidi stayed by my side. She licked her lips, caught between wanting to speak and holding back.

"That peach looks so delicious… I really want to try some…" her inner voice whispered.

Hearing this, memories from my past life came rushing back. Back then, I had unknowingly given her a bite of peach after listening to her inner voice.

To my horror, she had suffered a sudden allergic reaction afterward. Her entire body convulsed, and foam appeared at the corners of her mouth.

Because of that incident, Dad had slapped me hard, leaving half of my face swollen.

Suddenly, Heidi's voice pierced the silence, pulling me from my thoughts. "Daniella, can I have a bite of your peach?"

I shook my head without hesitation. "I haven't eaten yet. Perhaps Mom and Dad could get some for you in the next few days."

Heidi pursed her lips, looking a little aggrieved.

"Daniella must still be mad at me… She won't even give me a bite of peach…" her private thoughts drifted into my mind.

Seeing that I still wouldn't give in, she turned and walked away, her face shadowed with disappointment.

All the while, I remained unaware that a peach had vanished from the fruit platter.

Before long, the living room echoed with my parents' screams and shouts. I rushed in immediately, only to find Heidi lying on the floor. She was unconscious, her hand clutching a partially eaten peach.

Without delay, she was rushed to the hospital. After receiving treatment, her condition began to stabilize.

Back in the ward, Dad's furious voice thundered in my ears. "Daniella! You knew that Heidi was allergic to peaches, didn't you? Look, she's out cold now!"

"And how was I supposed to know that she was allergic?" I blurted. "I didn't even give it to her. She took it herself!"

Just as Mom was about to speak, Heidi suddenly woke up. Rubbing her eyes, she murmured, "W-Where am I…?"

Seeing Heidi awake, Mom instantly went to comfort her. "You had an allergic reaction, which is why we brought you here.

"Heidi, who was it that gave you the peach? Tell me everything."

A flicker of sadness crossed Heidi's eyes. "I-It was Daniella…" she whispered.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Heidi, you've got to be kidding—"

Just as I was about to explain, Mom cut me off. "Heidi's already spoken. It looks like you're the one to blame.

"I bet you did it on purpose! How could I have possibly given birth to such a heartless daughter?"

Mom's words cut through me like a blade. I clutched my chest, too furious to speak. I could only stare at Heidi, my thoughts lost in a haze.

Meanwhile, Heidi remained curled up in Mom's arms, deliberately avoiding my gaze.

Just when I expected to hear her inner voice, a sudden realization hit me. It seemed that I could only hear it if she chose to let me.

At that moment, there was nothing but silence.

On the drive back from the hospital, Heidi and I sat in the back seat. I kept my voice low, forcing myself to sound calm. "Heidi, didn't I tell you not to eat the peach? Why would you ignore me?"

Heidi wore a blank expression, playing the part of the unsuspecting victim. "I've just never had a peach before… I was curious to try it, that's all…"

"Then why did you say I gave it to you?" I demanded.

At my question, tears quickly filled her eyes. "I-I'm sorry, Daniella… I promise I didn't mean to do it on purpose…

"I was just scared. I didn't want Mom and Dad to scold me for being disobedient… That's why I… I threw you under the bus…"

Even though I could see right through her lie, I felt utterly helpless.

Every time her inner voice surfaced, it seemed to be deliberately pushing me into trouble.

Heidi had to be doing it on purpose. There was no other explanation.

It seemed I would need to stay on high alert from then on.