The Heir Who Died In The Closet Chapter 2

The next time I opened my eyes, I was floating out of the closet.

Was I saved?

Mom had said that the first thing I should do when I woke up was call for them, so they could rush in and take care of me. So I went downstairs, whispering, “Mom? Mom?”

The living room lights were on. My parents had come back. But so had the person I least wanted to see—Brody.

My body instantly froze. Hadn’t they promised I wouldn’t have to see him again?

Mom was sitting on the sofa, letting out a sigh.

“Asher has been through a lot of trauma in the last few years, honey. Sometimes he acts out, and sometimes he’ll even try to make you look bad.”

“He even called us just now, saying you locked him up again. Brody, I know you’re a good boy. Don’t hold it against him. Will you and your father and I go apologize to him in a minute?”

I stood still, stunned.

My parents thought I was lying, that I was trying to frame Brody? But... I was saved, wasn’t I?

I slowly turned, floating back toward the closet.

The little boy inside was curled up in a corner, quiet as a doll.

I realized the truth then. I was dead.

I gave a weak, bitter smile.

It’s fine. It doesn’t matter. I didn’t want to trouble Mom. I could let her believe I’d lied.

The conversation downstairs continued. Brody hugged a plush toy and pouted. “But Mom, you always take Asher’s side. Is it because I’m not your real son that you don’t love me anymore?”

Mom laughed, stroking his hair with a deep, doting affection. “How could you think that? You are and always will be my little prince.”

“I even bought T-shirts for both of you—they’re the Starfall Saga Limited Edition ones, the ones you love. They’re in Asher’s closet. Why don’t you go try yours on, and bring the other one out for Asher? Tell him it’s a gift from you.”

Brody’s face lit up, and he skipped toward the closet. But he stopped abruptly at the door. His smile looked strained. “Mom, actually, I suddenly don’t feel like wearing the collaboration T-shirt.”

Mom frowned. “Why the sudden change of heart? I bought them already. Just try it on...”

She stood up, walking slowly toward the closet.

Then the doorbell rang.