Chapter 4 They Celebrated While I Died

The door clicked shut behind me, sealing away the house's warmth and the laughter that waited just beyond the door.

I stood shivering in the biting wind, clutching the 200 dollars as if it could shield me from the cold.

This was the price of my dignity, paid for by my parents with the currency of my life.

...

That day marked a milestone for the Callahan family: Natalia's engagement party, the house overflowing with guests and laughter.

Meanwhile, I never made it to the hotel. I needed one last glimpse of the family I had poured my life into. I wanted to witness their happiness without me.

My body grew heavier with every passing minute, my legs turning to concrete beneath me.

A stabbing pain in my lower back made it nearly impossible to stand straight. Every step was agony. I felt like a mermaid in those Grimm Tales, feeling as if I was walking barefoot on broken glass.

Natalia's gleaming car caught my eye just as I passed a luxury hotel downtown.

I glimpsed the ballroom aglow through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the atmosphere was lively and interspersed with clinking glasses and radiant smiles.

Natalia positively shimmered in her elegant gown, the diamond ring she'd bought with my retirement savings sparkling on her finger as she floated from table to table, toasting gaily.

My parents were dressed to perfection, their smiles stretched so wide they looked ready to burst with joy. Their happiness was pure, untouched by guilt or even a trace of worry toward me.

Suddenly, a relative asked, "Hey, where's Noah? Why isn't he here?"

I saw my father wave his hand through the window as a helpless, indulgent smile appeared on his face. "That boy? He's a total workaholic.

"His company summoned him at the last minute, insisting he return immediately. I told him not to go, but he insisted. Apparently, he wanted to earn more money someday to help his sister upgrade to a larger house.

"That's simply his nature—always prioritizing family and caring for his sister. Nothing can stop him."

"Wow, that's a good son right there. Successful and devoted," the relatives said, all nodding and singing my praises.

I lingered outside, a single pane of glass dividing me from their world. My breathing was labored as I continued listening to my father sing my praises behind my back.

The irony of it all nearly made me laugh.

I was still their perfect son as I withered away in the biting cold. The one who loved too much, who cherished his sister, who tried so hard to matter.

They had emptied me out, and now my name was just another trophy for their pride.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a voice message from my father.

My hand shook as I struggled to play the message. His voice was hurried and low, nearly drowned out by the roar of music and laughter behind him.

"Noah, stay out of sight. I almost saw you by the window, and the in-laws nearly spotted you. You look incredibly pale. Keep that negative energy away from the family today. Stay out of trouble. I'll send you some money so you can buy something to eat."

A second later, a 200 dollars transfer popped up on my screen.

I stared at the screen, bitter laughter tearing out of my throat.

The sudden burst of amusement came on so strongly that it was as if the sound had clawed its way out of my chest. I felt wetness on my cheeks. It seemed that my tears had stained my face during my outburst.

I didn't care who saw me. I just stood there, laughing and laughing.

Then, I tasted that metallic sweetness rising in my throat once more.

Blood poured from my mouth.

The world whirled around me, and I crumpled to the ground.