“Caroline, you’re already 18. Can’t you be more mature?
“Do you think dropping your grades to seek attention is cool?”
In the past, I would do anything to gain the attention of my dad and brother.
I even saw nosebleeds as a stroke of luck.
At least then, Dexter and our dad would gather around me, looking at me a little longer.
But now, for me, the meaning of studying hard was lost. I just wanted to follow my heart and live a happier life.
I no longer argued with him.
Instead, I remained silent with my head bowed.
He seemed greatly affected, perhaps because my silence was a form of rebellion.
The atmosphere between us became tense.
Just then, Lana walked in from another room, holding a fruit tray in her fair hands. She held a fork with orange slices, which were Dexter’s favorite.
The flesh was translucent and tempting.
“Dexter, don’t be mad at Carrie. She’s probably tired of studying because of me,” she said.
“In the end, it’s because of my arrival that Carrie is unhappy. I just didn’t expect her to protest with her studies.”
Tears welled up in her eyes.
The sight of her pitiful act made me sick, and I watched her performance coldly.
Dexter fell for it and became even angrier. Pointing at me, he said with bitterness, “Caroline, are you sick enough to use your future to spite Lana?”
1/2
Chapter 13 Panic
I was indeed sick.
I was sick enough to believe that he was my brother.
I was tired of their charade.
“Are you done?” I said. “If so, I’m going inside.”
