Chapter 3

I watched Mom settle each student in, one after another. Then, she thoughtfully handed Rachel a brand-new lunchbox, filled with a hot meal she'd gotten up early to cook herself.

"Here, eat up. I know things are tight at home, and you can't usually afford good food at school. I made this especially for you. Make sure you take care of your health. Being able to study well is more important than anything."

Rachel looked down the hill with a naive look on her face and asked softly, "Is Penelope not eating?"

Mom gave a cold snort. She didn't even spare a glance in my direction. "She always acts like she's so delicate and allergic to everything, doesn't she? Even if I gave it to her, she doesn't deserve a hot meal like this. Let her go hungry a few times and she'll finally learn her place."

I lowered my head and looked at my worn-out backpack by my feet. Stuffed inside it was the cheapest cold boxed meal I'd bought that morning from the school cafeteria.

For as long as I could remember, Mom had always said I was fussy and hard to raise, that I was nothing like her at all. I'd grown up without ever once tasting a meal she'd cooked just for me.

Rachel cradled the lunchbox and said contentedly, "Ms. Lodge, I'd be so happy if you were my mom."

Mom looked at her lovingly. "What are you talking about, silly? You're all my children."

As she spoke, her gaze drifted slightly in my direction. Then, she turned away again and went right back to fussing over Rachel, reminding her to eat slowly so she wouldn't choke.

Once all the students had found their own spots to rest and no one was crowding around her anymore, Mom finally cast another glance down the hill. Her expression was slightly darker than before.

A moment later, she let out a sigh and started walking down the slope toward me. When she stopped beside my body, she snarled, "Penelope, stop pushing your luck. Or have you developed a liking for playing dead now?

"I'm giving you one last chance. Get up right now and come along with everyone, or I'll just leave you to fend for yourself from now on!"

I wanted to tell her that I was already dead. I could no longer cry and beg for mercy; I couldn't respond to anything she said anymore.

Mom's initial anger slowly faded when she saw me lying there motionless. She crouched down, and for the first time, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"Penelope, what's wrong with you?"

She reached out carefully, wanting to touch my cheek. But in the very next second, an urgent shout came from up the hill, where everyone was resting.

"Ms. Lodge, something happened!"