The Girl No One Could See

If our sense of smell was fine, then something was definitely wrong with the smell coming off Elise.

The whole situation felt off, and it made me worry about her health.

The next day, I went out of my way to book a full spread at a nice hotel and opened an expensive bottle of red wine. I also bought each of her roommates a carefully chosen gift.

Once they had warmed up to me, I kept my tone gentle and started speaking over dinner.

"About those smelly things I bought yesterday… I thought I saw signs of mice, so I was trying to lure them out and get rid of them. If you don't mind, while you're all in class tomorrow, could I have a cleaning service come in and do a full deep clean? I'll cover all the costs, and I'll take care of your food for the next month, too."

Before I could finish, one of Elise's roommates slammed her fork down.

"Mrs. Dolton, if you've got something to say, just say it. There's no need to do all this."

The others' expressions turned cold as well.

"Yeah, Mrs. Dolton. We know your family's well-off. You don't like this place, and you think Elise is suffering here. But no one's forcing her to stay. She can move out anytime."

"Hmph. We might not have much money, but we keep things clean. What's the point of a deep clean?"

Caught in the middle, Elise turned teary-eyed as she hurried to explain to her roommates.

"I'm not looking down on you guys. I'm not planning to move out, either."

Then she turned to me.

"Mom! If you don't like it here, then just leave. I'm not as picky as you. I like it here. I'm happy living with them."

I stood there, stunned, unable to understand why they were reacting so strongly.

I had kept my tone polite. I had even softened things with gifts beforehand. Even if I sounded a little critical, their reaction shouldn't have been this aggressive.

Besides, I used the mouse excuse. I didn't even mention the smell.

A strange unease crept through me, and I couldn't help but wonder if Elise and her roommates were hiding something on purpose.

"Elise, why are you all reacting like this just because I suggested a deep clean? Can you tell me the truth? I'm your mom. No matter what's going on, I'll understand. I'll protect you."

Back in the bedroom, I tried to talk to her properly, to be open and honest.

In my last life, the smell on Elise hadn't faded at all after she showered. That was when I called for a full cleaning.

They had gone crazy and killed me right there.

After going through this twice, I was almost certain now. There was something in this apartment they couldn't let anyone else find.

"What are you saying, Mom? Are you accusing us of doing something wrong and hiding it from you? Is that why you won't let go of this nonsense about hiring cleaners?"

Elise's eyes were already red, tears pooling as she glared at me.

"I know I didn't get into a top school and disappointed you. Is that why you've started looking down on me?

"I admit I'm not that smart, but I've been trying my best, Mom!

"If you hate me, then just go! Stop interfering with my life. My roommates might just be ordinary college students you don't think much of, but I like them. Please don't make them hate me. Don't ruin my friendships, okay?"

I hadn't expected her to react like this.

Every word she said cut deep, like a knife straight into my chest.

I had pushed her too hard before and expected too much from her. It had strained her, shaped her in ways I hadn't meant to.

But I had realized that. I had been trying to make it right. How could I not love her?

When I saw her tear-streaked face, my chest tightened, and I pulled her into my arms.

The next second, a chill ran down my spine, and I blurted out, "Elise, what happened to you?"