The Remorse Deep in the Bones

A month after my remains were discarded, an old woman found my bones. When the police rushed to the scene, they were shocked by what they saw.

The forensic expert, Dr. John had a grim expression as he examined the scene. Then, he said solemnly, "The victim appears to be a female between the ages of 15 and 20. She seemed to have died about a month ago.

"The bones here are from the skull and legs, so this might be one of the several crime scenes. The bones have been subjected to intense trauma, and the whitened bones were not naturally decomposed. Rather, the killer likely used a small knife to strip the flesh.

"There is a high possibility that the killer beat the victim to death, boiled the body, stripped the bones, shattered them, and discarded them."

Everyone was horrified upon hearing his words. They couldn't imagine anyone would use such an inhumane method to kill someone. It seemed as if the killer was a vicious person.

Dr. John sighed and continued, "The body is destroyed beyond imagination. We'll need Jolin to reconstruct the bones to identify the killer."

My hazy consciousness suddenly became much clearer when I heard the magic word. At the same time, joy filled my heart.

After all, Jolin was my mother.

My mother was the best forensic artist. She was able to recreate the appearance of the deceased from their skull and data analysis. I was certain she would definitely recognize me.

Soon, my bones were taken back to the police station. My mother arrived and quickly examined my bones. Then, she frowned and said, "The skull is incomplete and shattered. I can't do facial reconstruction like this. Has there been any information from the missing persons?"

The police officer, Mark, shook his head as he looked at my bones. "Dr. John claimed that there were severe fractures on the victim's leg bones. It's likely from a heavy impact that made it impossible for her to use her legs.

"The killer drilled a hole and threaded a bracelet through the fracture as well. We suspect the killer's motive might be related to this bracelet." As he spoke, he showed the photo to my mother.

When I heard him, I turned to look at my mother expectantly.

I was sure she would remember this. After all, this bracelet was designed by her and made by my father. My mother once told me they would recognize me no matter how I changed with this bracelet. Thus, I was certain she would recognize me and take me home.

Yet, my mother simply turned her gaze away and said, "The skull is too damaged. I can't reconstruct the face. Please hurry up and gather the rest of the bones. Angelina is waiting for me back home. I promised to bring back a cake to her."

Mark was displeased at her lack of professionalism. "Jolin, I know you feel sorry for Angelina since she had lost her parents at such a young age. However, you should also pay more attention to Ariana. Have you called her ever since she finished her college entrance exam?"

My mother immediately looked at Mark with resentment and said, "I only have one daughter, and that is Angelina. Who does Ariana think she is? She even ruined Angelina's birthday by claiming she had been kidnapped the last time.

"We all know that those people were locked up after Jeff's incident. Thus, who could possibly hurt her?"

Mark became upset with my mother's attitude.

"That was just an accident. Ariana didn't do it on purpose. Did you forget that those people broke her legs and caused her to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life? She is just a child, yet you let her live alone for five years.

"Don't you think that's enough? Do you think Jeff will forgive you for this?"

At that moment, my mother's expression turned cold. Then, she threw her uniform onto the chair and said, "Bring Jeff back to life then! Let him teach me how I should face a murderer!"

Mark was so angry that he clutched his chest, while my mother walked away without hesitation.

As I watched her retreating figure, my tears began to fall.

'I'm not lying, Mom. Not back then, not even now.'