Chapter 2The Zodiac Curse

I looked at the dog in despair; it was affectionately licking my foot.

His name was Lucky, and I had had him for exactly 11 days.

If what the woman said was true, didn't I only have 4 days left?

I led Lucky home, distracted all the way.

There were only three people in the family: Grandma, Mom, and me.

But now it was pitch black; it seemed no one was home.

I walked in doubtfully and saw my mom's room door ajar.

Ever since Dad and my sister died, Mom always locked her door.

Curiosity drove me inside.

I turned on the light; Mom's room was very tidy.

My gaze fell on a locked box under her bed.

Like a ghost possessed me, I squatted down and tugged at it; the lock actually broke open.

My heart beat fast; I felt there might be something hidden inside.

Until the moment the box opened, I screamed.

Inside were two dried animal carcasses.

Judging by the shape, one looked like a rabbit, the other like a rat.

Stuck into their bodies were photos of Dad and my sister respectively.

Both faces were smeared beyond recognition with red crosses.

When my gaze fell on a separate photo nearby...

My heart almost flew out of my chest.

The face in this photo was also covered in red crosses.

But from the hair and clothes, I recognized it was clearly me.