I watched Phoebe and Eugene left. The earlier joy I’d felt when Eugene had stopped to speak to me immediately disappeared. I felt like a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over me.
Was that what he thought of me? That I was an evil murderer?
My heart hurt, as did my stomach. I headed to the kitchen to get something to eat, but there wasn’t any food in sight. All that was left was half a slice of bread.
I started eating it with a few cashew nuts, but they did nothing to fill my stomach. A maid passed by and rolled her eyes when she saw me. Maybe she thought I didn’t see her.
When she saw the bread, she feigned surprise and said, “Oh, my! Don’t tell me you ate that, Ms. Holly. I was supposed to throw it. Ms. Phoebe and your brothers woke up early, so we prepared breakfast according to their schedule. I can make you something now if you want.”
I frowned at the annoyed look on her face. Then, I turned down her insincere suggestion and endured the sharp pain in my stomach. I returned to the attic. There was no room for me in this family, and even the maids treated me like I was a piece of trash.
The pain in my stomach was making me lose control of my emotions. My hands trembled as I swallowed some painkillers with water. After a while, the discomfort faded somewhat.
I changed my clothes and put on some light makeup, wanting to look a bit more spirited. My first stop was a funeral supply store. Since I only had one day left, I couldn’t get a custom-made urn, so I picked my favorite pattern from the ones available. This urn would be my home in the future.
I left the store with the urn in my arms. I could sense the odd or surprised looks that landed on me, but I ignored them. I headed to my next destination.
I passed by Carl’s school on my way. Class happened to let out then, and I heard the students’ laughter. I watched them a little enviously—they were so youthful and spirited. Unlike them, I hadn’t stepped foot in a school since I was ten.
