Chapter 4Immortality Is Your Final Punishment

Grandpa Henry smiled when I walked in, handing me a small plastic container. “The nurse gave me extra dumplings, Rose. Eat up, kiddo.”

The tears came then, hot and fast. If I left this world, what happened to him? I couldn't just leave him with nothing. I needed to get my money.

Everything I owned—every cent I’d earned working three jobs while Callum "recovered"—was in his house. Our house.

When I arrived at the driveway, I saw the housekeeper hauling black garbage bags to the curb.

“Oh, Mrs. Vance,” she said, looking terrified. “Mr. Vance told me to clear everything out. He said... he said you wouldn't be living here anymore.”

I looked into one of the bags. My things were shattered. Even the plaster hand-molds Callum and I had made together on our first anniversary were smashed into white dust.

I reached for the front door, but the electronic lock beeped red.

“He changed the codes,” the housekeeper whispered.

I felt a sharp sting in my chest, but I forced myself to take a slow, steady breath. “What’s the new code?”

She hesitated, but I stared her down. “My life is in there. I’m not leaving without it.”

“2018-08-12,” she mumbled.

August 12th, 2018. The day Callum and Becca started dating.

I took two steps back, a hysterical laugh bubbling up in my throat. Yesterday, he was sleeping in my bed, whispering that he loved me. This morning, he led me to a deserted road for a "surprise," blindfolded me, and tried to end my life.

Callum, you wanted my life so badly. You wanted the Program. But you have no idea how heavy the crown is until it starts crushing your skull.