60
C
Those unanswered calls completely cut off my last chance of survival.
After venting their rage, the criminals strangled me with a rope.
Following Sophie’s instructions, they disfigured my face with acid and erased my fingerprints.
Even if found, it would be hard to immediately identify me.”
Sophie used all the anti–forensic techniques Dad taught her against me.”
Soon, it was the anniversary of Mom’s death.”
Dad took early leave from work to visit her grave.
wear?”
Tony stopped Dad, asking, “Are you still not letting Emily see her mother this
Dad, emotionless, responded, “She’s the reason her mom is dead. What right does she have to visit her grave?“}
Tony sighed, trying to mediate, “You’re family. Blood is thicker than water. Why hold onto such bitterness?”
“Besides, Emily has been through a lot, trying to make up for everything with Sophie and you, working herself sick, spending all her earnings on gifts and supplements for you during the holidays.“”
Dad scoffed, “Who cares about those things? She’s just guilty. We never asked for any of it.“”
“She’s being melodramatic.“}
Hearing this, I couldn’t help but feel dejected.
So, Dad appreciated nothing I did.”
Would he have been happier if Sophie had given those gifts?”
Tony patted Dad on the shoulder, “I’ve had my stubborn moments with family too, convinced they were in the wrong, unwilling to forgive.”
“But Harper, there’s no right or wrong in family matters. Even if Emily did something wrong, it was unintentional. And after all these years, even if she was sentenced, she’d be out by now.”
Tony presented a bouquet of violets and pink lilies, Mom’s favorites.
“She knew you wouldn’t accept her flowers, so she sent them to me. Let her visit her mom’s grave on the anniversary, at least. You didn’t even let her come to the funeral; don’t you think you’ve punished her enough?“}
Dad remained tight–lipped.”
Tony handed him the flowers.
“You think you’re punishing Emily on behalf of your wife, but I think if her mom were still alive, she wouldn’t blame her own
child.”
Tony’s words finally made me break down in tears.
I so wanted to shout to the world that I didn’t kill my If I could, I would trade my life for hers.
mother.
Sadly, my voice will never be heard again.”
10
