How did everything end up being my fault?

2

I was too angry to speak. The next moment, my phone was blowing up.

Everyone was cursing me out, calling me heartless, telling me to just die already.

I was fired too. I lost my job.

Even then, they weren't satisfied.

There were always people waiting outside my apartment. The moment I stepped out, they'd throw rotten eggs at me.

Even when I stayed in, they'd pound on the doors and windows, keeping me up all night.

My hair fell out in clumps. I looked like a ghost of my former self.

They saw themselves as justice warriors, posting videos of my torment online. The applause from the crowd was deafening.

My daughter, who had already blocked me, even liked those posts. It fueled their frenzy even more.

I tried calling the police, but there were too many people. The cops couldn't do anything.

Eventually, I was so hungry I had to go out to buy groceries. That's when someone pushed me into oncoming traffic.

I heard someone curse, "You evil witch, you ruined Ruby's life. Why don't you just die already!"

That's how I died. I was only 48.

My spirit hovered above, watching as Ruby signed a forgiveness letter pardoning the person who killed me.

I saw Ruby thriving, using her tragic yet strong persona to launch a career in the entertainment industry.

She lived in a mansion, drove a luxury car, and dumped my ashes into a dirty canal.

Her face twisted into a cruel smile. "Mom, this is what you get for controlling me.

"Sure, you're dead now, but I lost my youth and freedom! You brought this on yourself!"

Fine. So this is the daughter I loved my whole life!

Now that I have a second chance, I'll never pour my heart into raising this ungrateful child again.

I'll be the one to sever this mother-daughter bond myself!

I thought to myself as I gently said to Ruby, "Alright."

3

Before Ruby could react, I called Hailey from the training center.

"Hi, Ms. Hall. Sorry, there's been some issues at home, so Ruby won't be continuing her lessons with you.

"Yes, Ruby said she doesn't like dancing anymore. She even mentioned... you know, suicide. I don't want to push her...

"Also, you were a bit hard on her. Gaining just seven pounds, then making her do all those jumping jacks... It made her resentful.

"Thanks for understanding."

Hailey kept trying to persuade me not to withdraw Ruby.