Before I fell, I exerted almost all the energy available in my body and dragged myself back to my room.

I lay on the small bed and curled up in the quilt.

"It's time to leave this world.

Mom. Dad. I can't have the New Year's Eve dinner with you." I thought.

The night came. I saw fireworks exploding in the air outside the window.

I felt sorry for them as they would disappear into darkness like me on this bustling night.

I heard the sound of my exhalation.

I heard the sound of wind, water, cicadas...

Things grow, age, die, and are reborn at an astonishing speed.

Then, I heard a shrill whistle.

That was my dad's car.

But I couldn’t get up anymore. My phone rang several times, but I was too weak to pick it up.

My mother rushed into my room.

"Are you dead? I called you several times, but you didn't answer. Hurry up and let's go have the New Year's Eve dinner."

"You're still sleeping! All you do is sleep. Look at you, so lifeless. That's bad luck."

"Look at how lovely your sister is, and you... I can't believe I have a daughter like you."

Not getting any response from me, my mother became even angrier.

She shouted louder.

"Are you mad at me? Fine. I dare you not to eat with us again in your life."

My mother left and slammed the door hard.

I could hear them drive off.

My vision started to become blurry.

Then, I sank into the complete darkness.

I didn’t know how long it had passed, but my vision gradually became clear.

I thought I didn't die.

But I found that my hand could penetrate my phone, the table, and the wall.

"Oh, my God.

Did I do something unforgivable?

I can't believe I'm still in this world as a soul.

And I have to stay beside my body." I thought.

The clock struck twelve.

The whole city was celebrating.

More beautiful fireworks exploded before my eyes,

lighting up my little room.

I peeked through the window.

I saw a little girl who was lifted by her father to watch the fireworks.

I saw a little boy who was covered in dust, and his mother pinched his face and told him to slow down.

I also saw my parents and Carol. They just returned.

"Carol. I notice that you ate half a fish today. If you like fish, mom will learn how to cook it and make it for you every day."

"No, mom. Didn't you see that my dad spent the whole night picking fish bones and cracking crabs for me? He didn't even have time to eat. I don't want my dad to miss out on what he wants to eat because of me. His health matters more."