Chapter 2

Mommy was so angry that she kicked the washing machine. "Are you really going to defy me now?"

That wasn't my intention, Mommy. The water was going to fill the entire washing machine soon. By then, I wouldn't be able to hold on.

I began wishing the water would rise faster. Just a little faster, and Mommy would realize something was wrong and let me out.

After hearing a beep, I forced myself to brace my arms and legs against the inside of the washing machine. I just had to hold on a little longer. Once Mommy opened the door, I would be safe.

As the washing machine started spinning again, Daddy walked over, holding Jason in his arms.

"Darling, we can deal with Caleb later. We need to get to the hospital now."

I didn't want them to leave…

I watched Mommy turn and walk away with my own eyes. The front door slammed shut behind her.

The next moment, the washing machine started spinning violently again. My world started spinning, and I was tossed around inside, like a discarded rag.

When I opened my eyes again, I was floating in midair. I thought I had been rescued and immediately left the house to look for my parents.

But I didn't want to upset Mommy and Daddy again, so I stayed at home like a good kid and fell asleep next to my Transformers.

I didn't know how much time had passed when the door opened again. Mommy and Daddy came home with Jason, and he was holding a huge electric toy car.

"Good thing Jason's fine. Otherwise, Caleb would've been in serious trouble."

"Jason went through so much today. We'll give him this toy car to make it up to him!"

Mommy deliberately called out toward the washing machine. "From now on, whoever gets hurt will get a present. The bully will be grounded!"

Mommy and Daddy exchanged a glance and strained to listen for any sounds coming from the washing machine. After a long time, there was still no response.

They furrowed their brows and sneered. "Ha! Do you see that? He's still sulking. If he wants to stay there, let him.

"The washing machine isn't even running. It's not like he'll die there."

I floated back and forth in front of Mommy and Daddy. I was already out of the washing machine. Couldn't they see me?

I wasn't sulking at all. Could they stop talking about me like that?

I kept trying to talk to Mommy and Daddy, but they acted as if they couldn't see me. They didn't even make eye contact with me.

I wanted to touch them, but my hand passed right through their bodies. It was only then that I realized I had died in the washing machine.

I ran over there to take a look. Inside the washing machine was a small body curled up in an unnatural position.

Was that me?

I turned around and saw Mommy and Daddy playing with Jason.

Forget it. That was Mommy and Daddy's punishment for me.

Maybe this was for the best. I wouldn't have to change Jason's diapers anymore.

Ever since he was born, Mommy and Daddy hadn't given me their full attention in a long time.

If I were dead, did that mean I could stay with my parents forever? I suppressed the ache in my chest and forced a smile.

Later, Daddy made my favorite pork ribs for dinner. After feeding Jason, they sat at the dining table, their faces grim as they looked toward the washing machine.

Daddy spoke first. "Caleb, come out and eat."

The only response they got was Jason's babbling.

Mommy impatiently slammed her bowl on the table. "If you don't want to eat, fine! How did you become this way?

"You messed up, and now you're throwing a tantrum? Fine. Don't eat then!

"I'll just pretend I never had a son like you. Everyone says parents can't help but favor one over the other once they have two kids.

"I thought if we treated you well enough, you'd be good to Jason too. I never thought we'd end up spoiling you, and you'd become so arrogant and domineering. You're such an ungrateful brat!"

"Forget about him. It must be really uncomfortable in the washing machine. He's too spoiled for that. He wouldn't have stayed in there for so long. I bet he's already gone back to his room."

I sat next to Mommy and Daddy, listening to their conversation. My eyes began to sting.

Mommy, I never wanted to hurt Jason. I just wanted to help give him a bath.