Chapter 3

That afternoon, my mother said she was taking me clothes shopping.

I was so excited my heart nearly skipped a beat.

It wasn't about the clothes. It was because she was finally going to spend time alone with me.

I wanted to try talking to her on the way. I wanted to try calling her "Mom," no matter how cracked or awful my voice sounded.

Then Lily piped up, saying she wanted to come, too.

My mother hesitated, glancing between Lily's pleading puppy eyes and my silent face. In the end, she let her climb into the car with us.

The mall was bustling, packed with bright lights and crowds.

I trailed behind them, watching my mother hold Lily's hand up ahead, constantly leaning down to ask if she was tired, if she wanted water, or if she felt unwell anywhere.

Every few steps, Lily would pause to catch her breath, clutching her chest with a pale, fragile look that genuinely tugged at your heartstrings.

I even felt a pang of sympathy for her - having a bad heart must really hurt.

Passing a children's boutique, my mother stopped and looked at a dress in the display window.

"Rain, do you like this dress?"

It was a white, layered tulle dress, delicately embroidered with tiny flowers.

It was beautiful.

Before I could even nod, Lily tugged at my mother's sleeve. "Mommy, I want one, too."

My mother smiled softly. "Alright, I'll buy one for each of you."

The sales associate brought two identical dresses, one in my size, one in Lily's.

I changed in the fitting stall. When I stepped out, my mother was busy fixing Lily's hair.

Lily wore the white dress, her hair cascading down, as my mother tenderly pinned a delicate bow barrette onto her head.

"Mommy, do I look pretty?" Lily twirled, the skirt flaring out like a ballerina's.

"Gorgeous. Our Lily is the prettiest girl in the world," my mother praised warmly.

Then, she turned and saw me.

Her smile faltered.

"Rain, your hair..." She frowned, walking over to touch my tangled strands. "It's so dry and knotted. Why haven't you brushed it?"

I looked down, saying nothing.

At the brokers' place, no one had ever taught me how to brush my hair.

I didn't even own a brush.

"Never mind, we'll hit a salon later to get it trimmed," my mother sighed. "Take the dress off for now. You can wear it at home."

When I took the dress off and handed it back, the sales associate whispered with a gentle smile, "Sweetheart, that dress looks lovely on you. You're very pretty in it."

I didn't know how to respond. I just stuffed the bag against my chest and walked away with my head down.

My eyes stung, but I forced the tears back.

Lily suddenly appeared at my side, peering up at me in a hushed, sweet voice. "Rain, don't be sad. Mommy didn't mean it. She's just busy, you have to be understanding."

I looked at her. Her expression seemed utterly sincere, her big eyes reflecting what looked like genuine concern.

I wondered: Was she really trying to be nice?

Could I finally have a real sister?

She blinked at me, her gaze clear and innocent.

In the very next second, she violently clutched her chest, groaning in agony as she crumpled to the floor, her face turning ghastly white.

My mother rushed over instantly. "Lily! What happened? Lily!"

"Mommy... Rain just pushed me..." Lily sobbed, tears spilling down her cheeks as her voice shook. "My chest... it hurts so bad..."

I froze.

The world stopped, as if lightning had struck me where I stood.

I didn't push her.

I hadn't even touched her.

I had been standing an entire step away.