CHAPTER 1

In a Four-Bedroom Flat

The faint clinking of plates stacking gently in a tray echoed through the room, almost inaudible—yet enough to break the stillness.

Ding!

The sharp sound of iron gates banging shut shattered the silence, drawing everyone’s attention and injecting a jolt of life into the quiet space.

“What was that?” an old woman asked. She was lying on a three-seater sofa, her eyes half-shut. Wrinkles folded across her face like soft waves, and her once-empty, expressionless eyes lit up as she watched a young girl enter with a tray in her hands.

“The wind is strong today,” the girl replied softly, aware of the old woman’s fading hearing. “It must have slammed the gate shut.”

Lucy brought the tray closer, gently helping the woman sit upright. Her warm, reassuring smile never left her face.

The old lady let out a soft grunt as she sat up, smiling back and easing the worry from Lucy’s expression.

They sat in peaceful silence as the old woman ate, Lucy watching her closely to ensure she didn’t choke. The moment felt serene—like a painting frozen in time. Two generations quietly sharing one of life’s simplest yet most precious moments.

But then, the scene shifted—into something horrifying.

Lucy’s body trembled violently. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor, her eyes wide with terror as she saw blood gushing from the old lady’s chest, staining the floor in vivid red.

“Ahhhhhhh!” she screamed. Tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

“No… no… this can’t be… it can’t!” she cried, voice breaking. As she looked up, she froze. A girl stood just five feet away, holding a bloodied knife.

Lucy clamped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide in disbelief. This girl… she was the one who… she killed Grandma…

Her body shook, anger flashing in her eyes, but she dared not act. The figure before her was overwhelming.

“Who are you?” she asked, her voice hoarse from crying.

The room fell into a haunting silence. Lucy hesitated, then slowly stood, her arms trembling. Just as she was about to speak, the figure turned, revealing half of her face—her lips curling into a cold, sly smile.

Tinnnn!

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Back to Reality

“Ugh, finally! Class is over!” students sighed in relief, quickly packing up their books.

“Don’t forget to try that question at home. It may appear in your exam,” the teacher reminded, exiting with a stack of books.

Bothered by the sudden noise, Lucy twitched. She shielded her eyes from the harsh light, wiped her sweaty forehead, and slowly opened them, glancing around.

She exhaled deeply. So it was a dream again.

She had dozed off in class—again—and, as usual, no one bothered to wake her. Not even the teacher. The loneliness stung.

The vivid memory of the dream lingered, clenching her heart. At least… it was just a dream, she reminded herself. But why does it feel so real? Like that day months ago…

She wiped her face with a handkerchief, gathered her books, and stood up.

The moment she rose, the classroom fell eerily silent. Every eye turned toward her—filled with emotions no one dared to voice.

Lucy gripped her bag tightly. She was used to this. Those silent stares screamed of fear, suspicion, ridicule, anger.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, she walked out, head down, avoiding their eyes.

As soon as she left, the chatter resumed.

“Tsk. At her age, already a murder suspect?”

“Who kills their own grandmother? That’s just sick.”

“Like they say—your kin is your worst enemy. Best to stay away from her.”

“I don’t know why the police haven’t locked her up yet. People like that should be electrocuted.”

The gossip was cruel, unfiltered. Three months had passed since the incident, but the rumors only grew darker.

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A Heavy Heart

Alone in a quiet alley, Lucy walked slowly, lost in thought. Maybe it was insecurity—or maybe her instincts were right. Every time she felt people’s disgust, her heart tightened. Breathing became hard, and tears would often betray her strength.

Her life had been one long tragedy.

Her mother died giving birth to her. Her father had raised her until his sudden death from unexplained internal bleeding. Her grandmother visited once a week and eventually took her in. But three months ago, her grandmother was found murdered—stabbed five times in the chest.

Lucy had been found unconscious beside the bloodied knife.

Now, she was alone. Her remaining relatives abandoned her, calling her cursed. The police investigated but found no proof—only suspicion. The public had already made their judgment.

As another tear welled in her eyes, a voice jolted her from her thoughts.

“What’s so fun about staring at the sky?” Thaddeus asked lazily, stretching and yawning. He shoved a white nylon bag into her hands.

Startled, Lucy tried to return it, but he stopped her.

“Don’t even try. I’ll dump it in the bin,” he warned coldly. “You haven’t eaten today. Probably won’t cook tonight either. So either eat… or toss it.”

Lucy chuckled. He always knew how to win. She hated wasting food.

“Thank you,” she smiled.

Thaddeus looked at her pale, tired face. The small light returning to her expression warmed him.

“What am I? A stranger?” he scoffed, turning away.

Lucy laughed and jogged to catch up. “Of course not!” she teased, punching him playfully on the back. His rare laugh made her smile wider.

They walked home, laughter in the air. For once, her worries faded.

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Home Again

They arrived at Lucy’s house. She was about to say goodbye, but Thaddeus beat her to it.

“Why sit home all day?”

“I can nap whenever I want.”

“Boring! After exams, I’m dragging you out to have fun.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rich Kid. I’ll look forward to it!” she teased.

Thaddeus smiled. At least she didn’t reject the idea this time. But his smile faded as he followed her gaze.

She was staring at the house. Her grandmother used to stand at the door, waiting. Now… it was just emptiness.

Lucy… I want that smile to stay on your face forever, Thaddeus