There was nothing new in her words. I had heard all of them since I was a child.
She told people how much Carol had suffered before she was found and how well-behaved Carol was after she returned.
But I just wanted them to discover my body sooner and bury it.
I couldn't stay in that house any longer.
I didn't want to watch them being happy even after I died.
Fortunately, my aunt finally opened my door.
"Caroline, stop sleeping. Today is the New Year's Day. Get up and join us."
Seeing that I didn't move, my aunt approached my bed.
I waved at her as hard as I could, "Aunt, come closer."
If she got any closer, she would realize that I wasn't breathing.
She was about to pull my quilt, but her hand was stopped in mid-air.
It was my mother.
She looked impatient. "Caroline Jackson, where are your manners? How could you still sleep when your aunt is talking to you?"
Seeing that I didn't move, my aunt looked concerned.
"Caroline could be sick. How can anyone sleep for so long? Perhaps I should feel her forehead to see if she has a fever."
As my aunt spoke, she reached out her hand to my forehead.
