Chapter 3The Reality of Being Forgotten

Dad didn't come back for a long time.

From the livestream, I learned Chloe wanted them to accompany her before the SATs (college entrance exams).

I sat in the damp rental, feeling like my heart was soaked in ice water, shivering.

On the day of the exam, I walked to school alone.

Luxury cars zoomed past. I saw Chloe's smiling face in one.

After the exam, I saw my parents waiting at the school gate.

I smiled instinctively.

Just as I stepped forward, they waved enthusiastically in another direction.

I followed their gaze and saw a beaming Chloe.

I froze. I watched the three of them walk away together, arm in arm, until they disappeared.

The chat filled my vision again.

[Big Sis is truly the favorite. Three days of full accompaniment, eating gourmet food.]

[Little Sis ate steamed buns and pickles for three days. No nutrition.]

[Is torturing Little Sis just for the show?]

I took out my phone and checked the stream. I saw my parents replying to comments.

[It's to toughen her up. Can't spoil her young. Plenty of kids have it worse, why can't she handle it?]

[Once the acceptance letters come, we'll bring her home. We won't mistreat her then.]

Reading their replies, I smiled bitterly.

"Won't mistreat her." As if I should be grateful.

Why?

Did they think one sentence could erase six years of suffering?