Chapter 2Ghosting My Toxic Family

My ghost follows Mom back home.

She sees Dad and immediately tackles him into a hug. He shoves her away violently.

"Get off! Don't touch me!"

Dad roars with rage.

For years, Dad has rarely given Mom a decent look.

According to my brother, Dad was a rookie idol back in the day. Mom, the embodiment of evil capitalism, saw his pretty face and decided she had to have him. Dad had a girlfriend and tried to resist, but money talks—or rather, it screams. He was forced to submit.

"Good. Play hard to get."

The next second, Mom’s face goes dark. She grabs the chain attached to Dad’s ankle and drags him toward the basement.

If I were alive, I’d step in, speak up for Dad, act cute, and Mom would let him go for my sake. But I’m not here.

Mom drags Dad into the basement. I watch the whole thing, feeling second-hand embarrassment.

Damn, Mom eats good.

I’m not trying to look, okay? My soul is tethered to her; I can’t leave.

I cover my eyes, but... I peek through the fingers.

When Mom’s finally done, she drags Dad back to the bedroom.

They lie in bed. Dad has his back to her, looking miserable. He’s on the verge of another episode.

Sure enough, he suddenly flips over, hands around Mom’s throat, face twisted in madness.

"Why are you still alive?!"

Mom calmly pulls out a taser from under her pillow. As soon as Dad sees the sparks, he lets go and lies back down like nothing happened.

I facepalm again.

Is this what they call "survival of the fittest"?

Seeing Dad settle down, Mom finally remembers I exist. She calls my phone.

"Probably out partying somewhere."

When I don't pick up, she mumbles a complaint and immediately forgets about me. She snuggles up to Dad, snaps another selfie, and sends it to the Ex.

The Ex replies with a photo.

It’s my clothes. There’s a little blood on them.

Mom obviously doesn't recognize my outfit. She mutters, "What is this trash?" and goes to sleep hugging Dad.

I didn’t have much hope for her anyway. Her brain is 99% Dad, 1% everything else.

I probably occupy about 0.01% of her heart.