Chapter 4

Mom stared at me for a long time, like she didn't believe I was really done kicking up a fuss.

Dad locked the study door from the outside. He said it wasn't to lock me in, but to keep me from freaking out and running around saying crazy things.

Chase stood outside the door, still holding my phone. He said in a low voice, "Cordelia, just hang in there for a few more days. I'll find a way to make it up to you once this is all over."

I sat on the narrow cot. The lights were off, and the room was dark. I ran my fingers over the empty spot where my bangle used to be, feeling an eerie, unnatural calm settle in.

That night, Mom unlocked the door a crack and slid a bowl of plain oats in. There were no side dishes or cutlery. She said, "It's better to eat something plain. You don't want another allergic reaction."

I cupped the bowl of lukewarm oats in my hands and let out a soft laugh. When I was a child and had gotten sick, she would make me oats with plenty of fruits and honey so I had the vitamins I needed. She would feed me, bite by bite.

Now, she was still afraid I would fall sick, but it was because she was worried this body wouldn't be in good enough condition to hand over to someone else.

Over the next two days, I listened through the study door as my family set up the bedroom for "Cordelia".

Mom asked, "Lia, what kind of scented candles do you like?"

Dad asked, "Do you want the desk by the window or against the wall?"

Chase asked, "Do you want to wear white or champagne for the engagement party?"

Every single word out of their mouths was so gentle that they barely sounded like themselves.

On the final day of the countdown, Mom opened the study door. She was holding a box of ribbons and balloons.

"Come out," she said. "Don't pull a face. This is an important day."

The living room was completely transformed. There were cream-colored flowers and champagne-toned lights, and her favorite low-sugar cake sat on the table.

Mom handed me the ribbons. "Your hands are small. Your bows always look the prettiest."

I took them and started tying them one by one to the backs of the chairs.

Dad glanced over at me and frowned. "Why are you suddenly being so agreeable?"

Chase stopped what he was doing, too. "Cordelia, are you planning something again?"

I kept my head bowed as I pulled the ribbon tight, my fingertips turning white from the force. "Didn't you say it yourselves? If I behave, it makes everyone's life easier."

A flicker of discomfort flickered across Mom's face, but she quickly composed herself. "I'm glad you finally understand."

Someone's phone screen lit up as the app initiated. A video call from the Cordelia in the parallel world came in. She saw me decorating and said softly, "Thank you, Cordelia."

Everyone turned to look at me, as if they were afraid I would lose it right there and then. But all I did was smile. "No need to thank me. This is your home now."

When I said that, my chest didn't ache the way I'd imagined. There was only emptiness.

Mom was taken aback, and Dad adjusted his glasses. A trace of panic suddenly flickered to life in Chase's eyes. He blurted, "Cordelia, don't say that."

I tied the last bow, then turned and went back into the study. Right before the door shut, I heard Mom mutter, "She's scaring me even more by being this quiet."

Chase said, "Keep a close eye on her. We're only one step away. We can't let her ruin this."

I sat back down on the cot and pulled out the old digital tablet I'd hidden underneath it. I was still logged in to the app. A final confirmation popped up on the screen.

[Withdraw your complaint? Once withdrawn, the exchange cannot be reversed.]

I stared at the glow spilling in from under the door. They all thought I'd finally learned my lesson, but they were wrong. I wasn't giving in. I was giving them up.

I tapped "confirm".

[Countdown: 10 seconds.]

In those ten seconds, I heard Mom's laughter. She couldn't seem to hold it back. "Lia will be here any minute."

I closed my eyes. For the first time, I didn't look back.