Chapter 2

I was an abandoned baby, left at an orphanage the day I was born.

The director hated me. Whenever the other kids caused trouble or stole things, she would punish me first, locking me in a pitch-black closet for hours.

When I was five, Helen came to the orphanage. She adopted me, bought me brand-new clothes, and fed me the best food.

I didn't have to wash clothes anymore. I wasn't forced to kneel as punishment when a plate broke. Helen took care of me with such gentle caution, harboring me like a fragile treasure.

Under her care, my pale, sickly face finally gained some healthy color.

But the orphanage director still came for regular home visits. She whispered in my ear, "Even if you’re adopted, you’re just a stray. You will never compare to Helen's biological daughter."

I didn't believe her. My head was filled with thoughts of the Barbie doll Helen had promised to bring home for me.

But the truth hit me too fast. The director's words came true.

Soon, I was abandoned again.