My Biased Parents Don't Love Me

When I woke up again, I was already lying in my bed.

I recognized it—it was my room, a storage room that had been converted into a bedroom.

When I say “converted,” it just meant they added a bed.

Surrounded by walls on all sides, it felt like a prison, trapping me inside.

I could faintly hear Evangeline talking with my parents.

“Eva, you silly child, how could you give her the float? If anything had happened to you, imagine how heartbroken we would have been.”

Evangeline smiled weakly and said, “Mom, I didn’t want anything to happen to my sister either. Thankfully, we’re all okay now and that’s what matters.”

In my heart, I sneered coldly. You were the one who orchestrated this mess! I wanted expose her.

I struggled to get up, my ribs throbbing in pain.

As I reached the door, I hesitated.

Even if I told the truth, would my parents believe me?

This kind of thing had happened before.

It was shortly after I arrived when Evangeline stood before me and suddenly shattered the vase in front of her.

The sound of the vase breaking rang out with a sharp “crash,” followed by Evangeline’s piercing scream.

“Ouch, it hurts! Boo hoo...”

To my shock, she had pressed her hand into the shards of broken porcelain.

Tears mixed with a triumphant, sinister grin spread across her face, twisted and terrifying.

And this was the face of a child, no more than seven or eight years old.

I watched her acting performance in a panic, my eyes filled with confusion.

Mom rushed over and held Evangeline tightly, scolding me harshly, “Clara, what did you do? You broke the vase and hurt your sister’s hand...”

In my mother’s arms, Evangeline’s lips curled into a smile, but her words were sweet and considerate, “Mom, please don’t blame Clary. I’m sure she didn’t mean to…”

I was overwhelmed with injustice and tears streamed down my face. “Mom, it was Evangeline! She broke the vase herself and hurt herself, not me…”

Smack!

A loud slap echoed in my ear, making my eardrum throb with pain.

Mom shouted furiously, “Clara, you’re still so young and you’re already lying? What will become of you when you’re older? You’re not eating dinner tonight. Stand at the door and reflect on your behavior…”

Then, she turned her head and gently comforted Evangeline, “Alright, Eva, don’t cry…”

I told the truth and got a slap in return, went hungry all night and was punished to stand until dawn...

Memories weighed down my steps and I sank onto the bed, staring blankly at the small light on the ceiling...

I don’t know how much time passed before someone came in. I didn’t need to look; I knew it was Evangeline.

“Oh dear, sister, are you alright?” Evangeline’s voice was dripping with smugness.

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see her. “Haven’t you had enough of acting in front of me?”

Evangeline chuckled, “Clara, here’s your meal. Don’t worry, I didn’t poison it. The college entrance exams are coming up—better prepare well.”

Before I could react, I saw the food placed on top of the drink crate, still steaming.

The drink crate was my dining table and study desk.

I was indeed hungry. Though it seemed odd, why should I argue with my stomach?

Soon enough, I understood why Evangeline was being so kind to me.