The Truth Bracelet Chapter 2

I was woken up by a burst of laughter.

That was voice of dad mom and sister.

"Tonight's fireworks really beautiful, especially that smiley face shape, as cute as our Bella!"

Mom's voice revealed gentleness I never heard.

I floated in mid-air, watching entrance door open.

Already became soul me, subconsciously wanted to float over welcome them,

Wanted to help them get slippers like before.

This is my pleasing instinct carved in bones.

"Mom."

I opened arms, wanted to hug that woman full of cold air:

"I don't hurt anymore, I will be good later, you don't be angry."

But, my hand passed directly through her body, like a gust of uncatchable wind.

Mom shivered, frowned: "Why home so cold? Heater not on?"

I froze on spot, looking at my transparent palm.

Yes, I already died.

Dead people can't hug living people.

"Go see Stella, that girl didn't come out to eat either, don't really starve bad."

Dad mentioned casually.

Still dad is good.

I looked at mom expectantly.

If she finds I died, will she be sad? Will she regret?

Mom snorted coldly, put on slippers walked towards my room.

"Starve to death deserve it. That kind of bad habit faking illness for attention, is spoiled out."

She pushed open my room door.

Didn't turn on light.

Borrowing living room light, she saw "me" lying on desk.

Motionless, like sleeping.

"Yo, still lying?"

Mom crossed arms, tone mocking.

"Think lying on table acting pitiful, I will carry you to bed?"

"Stella, you are ten years old this year, not five!"

I floated beside corpse, shouted loudly:

"Mom! I'm not faking sleep! I died! Look at me!"

"Touch me! My body is very cold!"

But mom couldn't hear.

She only believes what she sees.

Sister drilled in from her armpit, raised wrist showing off:

"Sister is big lazy pig! Look my bracelet is green, sister's still red!"

"Sister always lying, she lies even in dreams!"

Mom touched sister's head: "Still our Bella good. Don't mind this liar, let her lie, lie for lifetime if capable."

Dad peeked head behind: "How about carry her to bed? Big winter."

"Carry what carry!" Mom interrupted him,

"Current kids are just spoiled."

"Parenting experts said, this time need cold treatment, must let her realize her mistake herself."

"Look at that red light, shows her current mental state is still 'extreme confrontation', didn't reflect at all!"

"Alright, go sleep. Tomorrow have to go to Grandma's for Brunch."

Mom turned sharply, closed door again.

Click.

Lock fell.

I floated beside corpse, looking at that point of scarlet light in darkness, sadness in heart more than death.

Mom, if you even walk one step closer, even touch my hand, you would find I'm already cold through.

But you didn't.

You only believe that cold machine, but don't believe daughter you carried ten months to give birth.

Late night, a rat drilled out from empty cabinet.

I used to fear rats most, screamed every time seeing.

But now, I can only float on ceiling, watching it presumptuous on my corpse.

"Go away."

I drove weakly, but couldn't make sound.

Rat bit my toe, oozed a little black purple blood.

I can't feel pain anymore.

Really good.

Finally not painful anymore.

I said to that pitiful shell below:

"Don't fear, anyway can't feel pain anymore."

"Will end soon."