In the Hands of Monsters

I was kicked out of the moving car without warning and sent crashing onto the ground hard. The sharp pain sent a wave of dizziness through me.

Even so, I stumbled to my feet, instinctively popping my dislocated hand bones and kneecap back into place. I then slowly made my way down the familiar path I'd walked countless times before.

I still needed to return to the Sanders residence to retrieve something.

Compared to what I'd felt in the past three years, this little bit of pain couldn't do anything to stop me.

…

By the time I staggered back to the Sanders residence, Connor was already sitting in the living room.

Meanwhile, Mom, whom I hadn't met for three years, was currently hugging a coquettish Yvette. She had a soft smile on her face.

However, the first to notice me was Yvette.

"Wendy's back!" She linked arms with Mom and walked over cheerfully.

Mom was initially surprised to see me before tearing up in a heartbroken manner. "How did things end up like this? Connor, too—I'd asked him to pick you up, yet he came back on his own. Why didn't you listen to me?"

Connor coldly looked at me. "Don't you hate us? Yet you ended up coming back anyway. Is there any meaning to all your games, Wendy?"

Yvette playfully rolled her eyes at him. "How could you talk to Wendy like that, Conny? It's only natural for her to have some complaints now that she's finally made her way back."

Connor's gaze immediately softened when he turned to her. "I know you're kind enough to treat her like your sister, but she might not appreciate it."

I quietly watched the happy family before me. Even though I'd prepared myself for it, I still felt a sharp pain in my chest.

After a while, I slowly said, "It's been a while, Mrs. Sanders."

Mom covered her mouth in disbelief. There were tears in her eyes when she said, "Why aren't you calling me "Mom" anymore, Wendy? I've told you before, even if you're not my biological daughter, I'll still treat you—"

I interrupted her and said calmly, "Your daughter has already returned, Mrs. Sanders. It's no longer appropriate for me to keep calling you that."

Dejected, Mom reached out to caress my face. "Don't treat me like this, Wendy. I'll feel sad—"

I backed away to avoid her touch, but Connor kicked me in the stomach once again.

He spat, "It's one thing if you treat me this way, but you're even treating Mom like this. Do you want to die? You're stirring things up as soon as you're back. Listen, Wendy—we don't owe you anything!"

Yvette said with teary eyes, "Do you blame me for coming back and taking over your place, Wendy? But I can't help it—I really wanted a family!"

I collapsed onto the floor. The pain from my old injuries flared up from Connor's kick, making me black out for a moment.

Unable to hold it in any longer, I spat out a mouthful of black blood.

Mom gasped and tried to help me up.

Connor's expression faltered, yet he still scolded me harshly, "You suck at pretending! You're even spitting out black blood? Do you think you're acting?"

I couldn't say a word, and I didn't want Mom to touch me. As such, I could only back away desperately.

A familiar voice sounded as we were stuck in a standstill. "What's with all the commotion? Don't you know we have a guest coming over today?"

I slowly turned around and saw that Dad had returned. He was currently frowning at me, his face etched with disdain.

I wiped the blood away from the corners of my lips and obediently greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Sanders."

Dad was stunned. He had a complex expression and didn't respond to me.

However, the person beside him chuckled and teased, "You're still pampered as ever."

I looked up immediately, staring at the familiar figure beside Dad in shock.

The humiliation and pain I'd suffered in the past three years came rushing up in an instant. The warmth drained from my body as the familiar sense of fear and dread filled me.

Why? Why was he here?