Died on the Anniversary of My Father's Death

On the phone screen, the word "daughter" was displayed prominently.

It took several attempts before the woman answered the call.

A cheerful voice on the other end said, "Mom, I just landed. My phone died, so I stopped at a store to charge it. Didn't want you to worry."

Instantly, the woman collapsed into tears of relief.

"Thank goodness you're okay. Thank goodness, I was almost scared to death..."

As she calmed down, her strength returned, and she made her way towards the door, apologizing to the officers as she left.

Natalie watched her leave, her expression pensive.

"The period after the SATs is a high-risk time for disappearances. We always hope for clues about the deceased, yet dread the sight of the despair in their parents' eyes..."

Hearing Natalie's words, I felt disheartened, crouching in the corner.

I thought, "Mom, no one should feel that despair.

I'm dead. No one cares..."

Clive frowned with concern.

"Cameron's been missing for so long. Maybe you should call her, just to make sure she's okay."

At his words, Natalie's face darkened once more.

"My heart aches for these innocent, considerate children. It's better if she's dead out there!"

Her features twisted with hatred towards me but softened as she saw the name light up on her phone.

"Hello? Sweetheart, do you miss me?"

At that moment, Natalie's face lit up with a tender smile, her eyes filled with affection.

It was clear it was Julia calling.

She never showed me a smile, but she was constantly concerned about her stepdaughter.

"Sweetheart, I've been caught up with a case recently; it's been tough. I couldn't even celebrate your birthday with you that day. Once this case is wrapped up, can I make it up to you?

"You're home alone these days, so remember to lock all the doors and windows. Make sure you eat on time. I've prepared your meals for the week, and they're in the fridge. Just heat them up before eating.

"I'll take care of myself. Don't go out these days. Summertime is when female students tend to go missing."

I watched from the corner as Natalie showed unabashed affection towards someone not related to her by blood.

She seemed to talk for a long time, so long that I could only see her lips moving, but I couldn't hear her voice.

The phone call was interrupted by the guard entering.

"Natalie, there's a package for you.

"There's even a ribbon on it, probably a little gift."

Natalie was puzzled as she took the package.

Tilting her head, she held the phone between her ear and shoulder and exclaimed, "Sweetheart, did you get me a gift?

"Your health and happiness are the best gifts for me."

A smile crept onto her face as she prepared to open the package.

When I stared at the box, my heart raced faster and faster.

There were dried bloodstains at the bottom of the box.

I couldn't control my trembling.

But on the phone, Julia said, "No, Mom, it's not from me. Maybe it's from Cameron... I think I saw her holding a box that day, but when I asked her, she ignored me..."

As she heard Julia's distressed voice, Natalie's expression turned cold.

She swept the package off the table with a forceful gesture.

"She's giving you the cold shoulder? Unbelievable! I'm calling her out right now!"

Natalie slammed the phone down and kicked the package towards the edge of the trash can.

As Clive entered with the lunch boxes, he placed Natalie's portion on her desk.

"What's going?"

Natalie searched for my number for what seemed like ages.

"No worries, I want to see what this Cameron is up to!"

She punched the dial button, but there was no answer.

Natalie's patience wore thin as the phone call auto-disconnected, a sign of no one picking up.

Clive looked at Natalie's phone with confusion.

"Cameron didn't pick up? That's odd."

Natalie's tone turned cold. "I swear, she's really gone too far this time! Ignoring my calls and still having the nerve to send me a package? I don't need her fake kindness!"

With those words, she bent down, ready to throw the package into the trash.

But Clive noticed dried blood stains on the bottom of the box at once.

"Wait! This package is suspicious!" he exclaimed, grabbing a utility knife from the table and cautiously walking towards the trash can.

Bending over, he carefully inserted the knife into the black tape.

My heart raced as if it was in my mouth.

I thought, "Mom, you're about to find out very soon.

I really didn't lie to you..."