Chapter 2
As Mom tucked me in, I noticed that for the next three days, she gave Dad the cold shoulder. Dad ended up v overtime at work, and they didn’t speak to each other for days.]
volunteering for
Eventually, Mom was the one who softened. She cooked a special dinner with all Dad’s favorites, and he finally came home on time.[]
I was relieved because Mom had been crying in secret every day, and I hated seeing her upset.[]
After this incident. Casey’s behavior only got worse.
When I was in third grade, Casey graduated from elementary school. On graduation day, Dad bought her a princess dress with layers of pink tulle that made her look like royalty.[]
She looked at me smugly, “Riley, do you like it?”
I nodded eagerly, “I love it“]
“Well, you can have it when I outgrow it!” she announced.]
I twisted the hem of my shirt, not wanting to say that I didn’t want her hand–me–downs
Casey’s clothes were always baggy and worn–out, almost like she ruined them on purpose. Every piece of clothing she passed down to me had either holes or stains.]]
But whenever Mom tried to buy me new clothes, Casey would throw a massive tantrum–even though Mom always bought her
another one.
Mom was already traveling for work just to earn extra money, and I couldn’t bear to see her struggle so hard. So I just accepted Casey’s hand–me–downs,
Mom stroked my hair. “When our Riley graduates, I’ll buy you a same beautiful dress too.”
I broke into a smile through my tears, not noticing the flash of hatred in Casey’s eyes.]]
Still, I was happy because Casey was starting middle school. She told Dad she wanted to attend the best school in the city.
Dad followed her wishes and looked into a private middle school, but the tuition was astronomical.]
That money was a huge point of contention between my parents. It was what Mom had been saving to buy a new house.[]
“Dave, the girls are growing up. They each need their own room. Look at Riley–she’s practically being pushed onto the balcony! How can you be okay with that?”
Dad shook his head. “Casey’s starting middle school. She’s our little princess, and you know how good the resources are at that private school “|||
Mom stood her ground. “Casey isn’t a good student to begin with. Even the best teachers won’t make a difference.“]
But she couldart convince Dad. He grabbed the money, pushed past Mom, and stormed out without looking back
Mom collapsed to the floor, sobbing. “Dave! Dave, you get back here right now!“]
The only response was the slam of the front door. Mom hugged me close, her eyes red with tears.
me to go to the best school:
Casey stood nearby and said, “Mom, am I not your real daughter? Why don’t you want me to
Mom just stared at her without saying a word, her face pale as ash.
Later, to earn more money, Mom applied for a transfer to another city.
That evening when Dad came home, he proudly told Casey she’d been accepted.
“Daddy pulled a lot of strings and spent a fortune to get you in there, Casey. You better study hard.”
best school in the city?“]
Casey was absolutely thrilled, and when she looked at me, her eyes shone with even more smugness than before.]]
The next day, Dad went out to borrow money and bought Casey a complete new wardrobe from head to toe.[]
I pinched the frayed hem of my pants, which had become nothing but threads, and approached Dad. “Dad, I need new pants too. Mine are falling apart.”
But in the next second, Dad shoved me away hard!
“All you think about is spending money! If they’re torn, just patch them up. Little girls obsessing over clothes and food clearly aren’t focusing on their studies.”
I started crying. Casey, munching on an apple, looked over at me. “Dad, she’s crying so loud the whole building can hear. Everyone’s going to talk about you again.”
Hearing this, Dad raised his hand and stapped me across the face, shouting, “Make another sound and I’ll beat you to death!“]
Half my face went numb. My cars were ringing, and I could see Dad’s mouth moving but couldn’t hear what he was saying.]
I was terrified but didn’t dare cry out loud. Tears just streamed down my face like a broken faucet.]]
