Chapter 3

I went back home to grab the last of my equipment. The moment I stepped through the door, Mom tore into me.

"Where have you been? You just turned 18 and you're already running wild. Why can't you be more like your sister?"

The three of them sat peacefully in the living room watching TV, but my arrival killed the atmosphere instantly. I was used to this kind of abuse by now.

The evening news showed the increasingly dire global situation. Several major countries were already experiencing extreme heat and drought. Dad frowned, his eyes glued to the screen.

Images of heat devastation scrolled across the TV. Amber's eyes immediately welled up.

"Dad, those poor people are suffering. We should donate more at this year's charity gala."

I couldn't help glancing at her when she said that. That one look seemed to flip a switch in her.

"Evelyn, I know you look down on the poor. But we need to have compassion. That's what Mom and Dad taught us growing up. Don't let your test scores make you forget where you came from. Character matters more than grades."

She made it sound so righteous, as if I were some kind of monster. All I did was glance at her.

Dad finally tore his eyes away from the TV. He was a businessman. He cared about profit, not compassion.

"Things are getting unstable out there. Both of you need to stay home."

His tone carried a warning, "Evelyn, if you keep running around and something happens, I won't be responsible. These are dangerous times. Everyone needs to be on high alert."

Dad really was a shrewd old fox. He'd already picked up on the tension building in the world. Too bad it was all too late.

The heatwave would arrive without warning. Even if he sensed something coming, there wasn't enough time to prepare.

I remembered in my previous life, when the extreme temperatures first struck, Dad was the first in the family to be affected.

And that moment would come tomorrow.

…

I'd spent the last two days trying to find an excuse to leave home. But Dad kept a tight watch on us. Neither Amber nor I could go anywhere.

My foolish sister still hadn't grasped how serious things were. After hearing Dad's warning last night, her mind began to turn.

It didn't matter that I couldn't leave. Amber would create an excuse for me.

The sun grew hotter each day. Even at night, the heat woke me up.

Amber had somehow managed to sneak out. Shortly after, Dad came banging on my bedroom door, looking frantic.

"Your sister might be in trouble out there. Come with me right now and help me find her."

In my previous life, I didn't listen to Dad. I refused to go with him, so Amber's plan failed. But this time, I brushed the cracker crumbs off my clothes and nodded at Dad.

"Okay."

…

In the early stages of the heatwave, looting had already broken out on the streets. A group of thugs held a knife to Amber's throat, and her face was streaked with tears.

"Dad, don't worry about me," she cried. "They said they'll let me go if Evelyn takes my place. But how could I trade her life for mine?"

Her clothes were torn and ragged. She looked fragile and helpless.

Dad clenched his fists. "Amber, don't be scared. I'll get you out of this."

Trash and debris littered the road. The scorching wind had already started blowing, and the air felt bone dry.

Amber trembled violently. Dad couldn't bear to watch anymore. After hesitating several times, he finally turned to me.

"Evelyn, make yourself useful for once."

The moment Dad spoke, triumph flashed across Amber's face. Even though I orchestrated this myself and already knew what choice he'd make, disappointment still crept into my heart.

I didn't say anything. I just walked silently toward the thugs.

Amber threw herself into Dad's arms. I watched their figures grow distant and let out a soft sigh. This would be the last time I saw them.

After they left, I handed the thugs some dry goods, then drove straight to Crescent City.