After Amy got Grace to sleep at night, she stayed in her room until dawn.

Matthew thoughtfully prepared breakfast. "What's wrong with Grace? Do you want me to take her to a therapist?"

"It's fine, she'll be better in a few days. Just spend more time with her during this period."

I stood by the bed, watching the deep bond between mother and daughter, and the closeness of siblings. All I felt was numbness.

I used to be the one they doted on like that.

They always said how much they loved me. Back then, even if I just lost a hair, Amy would check if I was lacking any nutrients.

When I was bullied at school, it was Matthew who stood up for me. During school sports meets, he ran alongside me with a water bottle.

Right after, he'd be the first to give me water and help me walk slowly.

He once said he would protect me, his little sister, for life.

But when Grace came back, everything changed.

Even my name was changed back from Grace to Evelyn.

"Grace is your sister's name. From now on, you'll be Evelyn.

"Your sister's been through a lot out there. Give her the room with the sunlight. I partitioned off the bathroom; you stay there for now."

At dinner, a spoon struck the back of my hand. "You've had plenty of good things. Leave the crab for your sister."

Matthew even tried to comfort me back then, "Just let it go. You've enjoyed Grace's share of blessings for so many years. You should be grateful."

But I never asked for this. I never wanted to take her place. It was all given to me by them.

The memories slowly faded away, and at some point, my face had become wet with tears.

After breakfast, Amy told Matthew to stay home with Grace while she drove to the hospital.

I drifted into the passenger seat next to her. I couldn't remember how long it had been, but this was my first time alone with her.

Once we got to the hospital, Sophia found her.

"I heard there's been a major case in our city."

Hearing this, Amy's face turned a bit uncomfortable, her eyes showing a hint of guilt. "W-What is it?"

"I heard there was a home invasion murder in the Rivera area last night."

Amy involuntarily took a deep breath when she heard this.

"That's the police's job to handle, what does it have to do with us?"

"Have you forgotten? Evelyn lives there. It's not safe anymore. You should call her and ask her to come home for a few days."

Hearing Sophia mention me again, Amy's eyes showed impatience. "What could happen to that troublemaker? She's tough."

Sophia had watched me grow up and had always tried to mend the relationship between Amy and me.

Seeing Amy's reaction, Sophia sighed helplessly. "We've known each other for so many years. You remember how strained things were between me and my mother-in-law. There was a time when I wished every day she'd just pass away.

"I always blamed her for keeping me and my first love apart, and I thought she ruined my life. But in reality, she had sharp instincts. My first love ended up a mess. He's drinking, gambling, never making anything of himself. He drove away several wives.

"I finally understood her intentions and wanted to make peace. But what happened? She had a stroke and passed away in her sixties.

"She died without ever hearing me say I was sorry. Every time I dream of her, I wake up with my pillow soaked in tears. If only I'd known then. I was just too stubborn, refusing to apologize."

Seeing that Amy remained silent, Sophia continued, "As doctors, we've seen so many farewells and regrets. I'm telling you this because I don't want you to live with regrets. Don't wait until it's too late to say you're sorry."

As she spoke, this strong woman of the industry had tears welling up in her eyes. She wiped them away and headed off to check on her patients.

Watching Sophia's retreating figure, I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. They streamed down my face uncontrollably.

After Sophia left, Amy pulled out her phone and opened the daily news.

A criminal followed a young woman, robbed, and killed her. The suspect is still at large. Citizens are urged to lock their doors and windows and avoid going out alone.

She stared at it for a moment, then impatiently grabbed her phone and opened my WhatsApp.

Our last conversation ended two days ago.

[Mom, it's raining. Your shoulder will hurt, so take care of yourself.]

And for Mother's Day, I had sent her: [Mom, Happy Mother's Day.]

She hadn't replied to any of them.

After a long silence, she finally sent me a message: [Tomorrow's your father's death anniversary. Get back here and pay your respects.]

She sent the message, but a moment later it showed: [You are no longer friends with this contact.]

She became even angrier, her face darkening. If it weren't for the interns outside, she probably would have smashed her phone.

"Well done, Evelyn! You ungrateful brat. You even blocked me! If you've got the guts, stay out there and never come back!"

That evening, my brother, Matthew, angrily grabbed his phone and called me. "Mom, don't be mad. I'll call her and make her come back to apologize."

The phone rang several times, but each time it was hung up.

I could see the veins bulging on the back of his hand as he gripped the table, ready to explode at any moment.

Finally, the call went through.

"Evelyn, what's your deal? Did you block us all on WhatsApp? Tomorrow's Dad's anniversary! Are you doing this to upset us?

"I'm telling you, stop playing these games. It's pathetic.

"Dad spoiled you the most when he was alive. Get back here immediately."

There was a pause on the other end, then a man's voice, slightly drunk, spoke, "My girlfriend's asleep. She said she's disgusted by your whole family. Don't call again. She doesn't want to see any of you. Got it?

"I'm taking her abroad. Don't contact her again."

After the call was cut off, Matthew angrily kicked over a chair, cursing under his breath.

Amy's face turned darker and darker. "I should never have bothered with her. Let her die out there. She's a heartless wretch."

If I could still feel anything, I would be in unbearable pain right now.

I didn't have a boyfriend, and I wasn't some heartless wretch.

"It's just... I'm already dead. I died while buying my dad's favorite drink.

I'm right here with you."