Chapter 4

The sky slowly darkened, and the city lights outside began to flicker.

I heard Thomas, our butler, calling from downstairs. "Miss Chloe, dinner is ready. Please come down and eat something."

Using the last bit of my energy, I called back, "Thomas, I'm really tired. I think I'll just sleep tonight. Don't wait up."

"Alright, Miss Chloe. I'll leave some warm food in the kitchen for you. Eat whenever you feel hungry."

There was a hint of worry in Thomas's voice.

The sharp pain in my stomach began to fade into a cold numbness.

I was so cold. So sleepy.

I slid off the desk chair, crawling onto my small bed with the last of my strength, pulling the blanket over my head.

It was pitch black under the covers, just like the basement Mom used to lock me in.

But I wasn't afraid of the dark anymore.

Once I fell asleep, it wouldn't hurt.

Once I fell asleep, no one would ever have to worry about me again.

My mind started to drift. "Dad, Mom, it really hurts. The pills didn't taste like anything. They weren't good."

"If I fall asleep, will you guys, on the other side of the world, ever think about the daughter you left behind?"

Morning came.

My stomach didn't hurt anymore. My body felt incredibly light, like a breath of invisible air.

I floated up from the bed.

Whoa. People really can fly.

I floated up to the ceiling, looking down at my small bed. Under the blanket was the thin, still shape of "me."

She was sleeping so deeply. Even her brow was completely relaxed.

"Miss Chloe, it's time to wake up for school! You'll be late!"

Thomas called from downstairs. After a while, he called again.

Hearing no answer, he walked up the stairs, worried, and knocked gently on my door.

"Miss Chloe? Are you awake?"

I floated right in front of him, waving my hands. "Thomas, good morning! I'm awake!"

But he couldn't see me. He couldn't hear my voice. He just stared anxiously at the closed door.

He hesitated, but decided not to push the door open. He turned and went back downstairs.

A little later, Dad called.

Thomas answered it on speakerphone.

"Thomas, where is Chloe? Put her on."

Dad’s voice sounded tired. There was a lot of noise in the background.

"Mr. Carter, Miss Chloe is... still asleep. I called her a few times, but she didn't answer."

On the other end, Dad was silent for a few seconds. Then came an annoyed sigh. "That girl is getting more and more undisciplined. Forget it.

Just tell her Julian's performance was a huge success. The whole crowd gave him a standing ovation. He really made the Carter family proud! We'll bring her a souvenir when we get back."

Then I heard Mom’s sharp, smug voice in the background: "Why bother telling her? She's probably eating her heart out with jealousy! Just let her sleep. Out of sight, out of mind!"

Julian's voice joined in, filled with arrogant excitement. "Dad, Mom, don't worry about her. Hurry up! We're going to that three-star Michelin restaurant!"

The call cut off.

Thomas stood in the empty living room, holding the phone. His white hair looked exceptionally bright in the morning sun.

He looked up toward my room and let out a long, heavy sigh.

I really wanted to tell them that I wasn't jealous.

"I'm right here! I turned into a little flying fairy!"

But no matter how loud I screamed, they didn't react.

The sunlight streamed through the window, warm and bright.

But I couldn't feel any of it. I felt completely cold.

Mom, I wasn't trying to throw a tantrum.

I really did wake up.

I've been floating here for so long. Can't you see me?

It’s just that the "me" lying on the bed... she was too tired. She didn't want to wake up anymore.