Chapter 2

In the past, they favored me because I was frail.

Later, they became worried that my life would turn out too good.

During winter, they only bought a new puffer jacket for Daniel.

I had to wear his old one from two years ago. The cotton batting was starting to poke out through the worn-out cuffs.

The summer before ninth grade, I won a competition and received a prize of 30 dollars.

Dad said, "Use it to buy your brother reference books. He needs them. You're smart, and you don't need them."

Three days before the SAT test, they even locked me in my room so I wouldn't take it.

It was Daniel who stole the key in the middle of the night and let me out.

Now that I got in, they wanted to take my college spot too.

Daniel suddenly looked up and ran toward the cellar in the backyard.

"I'm going to ask Caleb. If he doesn't agree, I won't go!"

Mom grabbed him. Dad pressed hard on his shoulders.

"You ungrateful child!"

Daniel was forced into the chair. He bawled his eyes out and constantly looked in the cellar's direction.

I floated beside him and reached out to wipe his tears away, but my hand passed right through him.

'Don't cry, Daniel. I don't blame you.'

Priscilla sighed and stood up.

"I'll go talk to Caleb. He's always listened to me."

She walked to the backyard.

I followed her.

She crouched down and placed her hand on the cellar entrance. Her voice was gentle.

"Caleb, I'll open the door. Come out and talk to us."

Just before the door opened, a clatter came from inside the cellar. It was the sound of a jar falling.

I drifted in to look. It was just two rats.

Priscilla thought I was throwing a tantrum. She pulled away and said helplessly, "I know you're upset, but Daniel really will die."

I floated in front of her and crouched down to look into her eyes. 'Priscilla, I'm already dead. Daniel won't die.'

She couldn't hear me.

"We grew up together. I do like you, but you need to bear with us on this."

She paused.

"You can take the test next year. Daniel and I will be waiting for you at college.

"Calm down."

She waited for a while. After not hearing a response, she sighed softly and turned around to leave.

I followed behind her and laughed through my tears.

'Priscilla, I'm not sulking. I'm already dead.'

Soon, Daniel came over with a plate of warm pasta. There were two fried eggs on top. It was my favorite food.

Mom frowned behind him. "He's throwing a tantrum. He won't eat. Don't waste your effort."

"If he doesn't eat, he'll get a stomachache," Daniel said with a trembling voice.

He crouched at the cellar entrance and knocked gently.

"Caleb, I'm sorry. Won't you eat something?"

Even after a long time, he didn't get any response.

He frowned. Sensing something was wrong, he reached forward to unlock the cellar entrance.

I floated over anxiously. "Don't open it, Daniel! You'll be terrified!"

Just then, Mom shouted from the front yard.

"Daniel! Come try on the new clothes I made! You need to look presentable for college!"

Daniel's hand froze.

He set the plate down by the door.

"The food's here. Don't forget to eat."

He looked back repeatedly as he walked away.

I stared at the plate of pasta.

The steam slowly faded. The oil congealed into a pale film.

I floated closer and tried to touch it, but my hand went right through.

After a long moment, I sat beside my body and hugged my knees.

'Daniel, I'm dead. I'll never get to eat the pasta you make again.'

Late at night, Mom quietly came to the cellar entrance.

When she saw the untouched pasta, her brows furrowed. She crouched down and lowered her voice.