Chapter 1Ten Sticks of Cotton Candy

Dad bought cotton candy for my sister and me—one for each of us.

I happily took mine, but my sister burst into tears.

"Why does she get the same as me! I knew it—once you had a second child, I wouldn't be the only precious one anymore!"

Mom listened, then gently pulled the cotton candy from my hand.

"This one's for your sister too. You can have something else later."

But I wanted cotton candy too.

I started crying from the hurt.

Mom completely lost it.

"Can't you be more understanding! You've already taken half of your sister's love, and you can't even give up one piece of cotton candy?"

"At such a young age, you're already fighting with your sister over things. What will you be like when you grow up!"

I was so scared I stopped crying and frantically tugged at the corner of Mom's clothes.

"Mom, please don't be angry. I won't eat it..."

Mom froze for a moment, but then seemed even angrier.

She turned and rushed to the vendor's stand, bought ten sticks of cotton candy, and shoved them into my arms.

"Eat! Sit right here and eat! You're not leaving until you finish them all!"

Mom took my sister's hand and walked away.

Dad patted my head sympathetically, his voice weary.

"Once Mom calms down, Dad will come get you."

I sat alone on a bench in the mall, desperately shoving cotton candy into my mouth.

By the seventh one, the mall caught fire.