Chapter 3

I clutched my bleeding knees and tried to explain. "Mom, they pushed me down. My knees are bleeding, and I can't stand—"

"Shut up!"

But Mom wouldn't listen. She grabbed my arm so hard that she nearly lifted me off the ground.

"Bleeding? So what if you're bleeding? Luna was so scared. If something happens to her, are you going to take responsibility?"

Dad came out too. With a grim expression, he picked up the sobbing Luna and carried her inside, softly comforting her.

Mom dragged me into the house.

Mrs. Wilson heard the commotion and came out of her house. She saw me covered in injuries. "What are you doing? She's only six! How could you—"

"You don't know what happened!" Mom cut her off. "She just stood there and watched Luna get bullied! She wants Luna to die sooner!"

Mrs. Wilson was about to speak again. I smiled and said, "Mrs. Wilson, it's my fault. I didn't protect Luna…"

Mom shoved me into my bedroom. "Stay here and think about what you've done!"

She pointed at my nose, her words cutting through me like ice. "Are you hoping something will happen to Luna? Do you wish she'd die sooner so you can have us all to yourself?"

"No! Mom, I really—"

Before I could finish, she slammed the door shut. Darkness and cold instantly swallowed me.

The blood on my knees had already dried, freezing to my pant leg. Every breath pulled at my wounds.

In the dead silence and freezing cold, the wristband I was wearing suddenly vibrated.

I looked down and saw the numbers counting down.

Suddenly, everything went black.

Countless images flashed before my eyes.

When I was a newborn, Mom held me gently, her tears falling onto my face. "Stella, you're my angel. You came into this world to save your sister…"

That was followed by the image of Dad putting on the wristband for me, his eyes red. I immediately burst into loud cries, but neither of them dared to look at me.

The first time Luna snuck onto the balcony, I was playing with building blocks on the floor. When the sunlight fell on her arms, my arms suddenly festered, and I burst into tears.

Mom rushed over, sobbing as she applied medicine. "I'm sorry, Stella. I'm sorry… I'll blow on it, and it won't hurt anymore."

But after that, it happened so often that I learned to endure the pain. I stopped crying and screaming out.

Mom also stopped comforting me and holding me while treating my wounds.

When I opened my eyes again, the pain in my body was gone.

"Am I dead?" I wondered.

The lifespan transfer had succeeded. I was so happy that I almost jumped to my feet.

I was dead. I'd really given my life to Luna. She could live on!

I excitedly scrambled to my feet, wanting to rush out of the room and tell Mom the good news. But as I reached for the doorknob, my hand passed right through it.

Just then, I heard voices chattering outside.

"Mom, you're finally here! You must have been freezing on the way here," Dad said.

"Oh, Luna. Let me take a look at you. Have you lost weight?"

It was my grandma, Ruby Moore! I quickly passed right through the door.

Luna was wearing a brand-new red sweater, snuggled in Grandma's arms. My dad's sister, Aunt Clara, was setting fruit on the table.

Only then did I realize it was New Year's Day.

Grandma took out a wrapped gift.

"Here, Luna. This is for you. I hope you have a happy and healthy New Year!"

Then she turned to Mom. "Where's Stella? I have a gift for her too."