"Let me go check if Miss Minnie finished her food."
Jennifer nearly leapt out of her mother's arms in fury.
"Nora, didn't I tell you not to save any food for her?"
"I'm the one who told her to." A flicker of guilt crossed their mother's face.
"Mom!" Jennifer whined, clinging tighter. "If I stayed in my room and refused to come out, would you save food for me?"
Their mother didn't hesitate. "Of course I would. What are you even thinking?"
"So I'm your favorite daughter, right?"
"Of course you are!"
Watching the two of them wrapped in that warm, easy affection, I flickered back to my room.
Mom, if you found out I was already dead, how would you feel? Would you be sad for me? Would you feel even a sliver of guilt?
Next life, I want to be born healthy. I want to be happy.
Nora discovered the food hadn't been touched. She knocked on my door.
"Miss Minnie, why do this to yourself? Starving won't solve anything, and it'll only wreck your health."
"Please open the door? Just eat a little."
She was the only person in this house who truly cared about me.
No response came. Nora sighed and walked away.
Thank you, Nora. But I can't eat any of it anymore.
"Ma'am, maybe you should go check on Miss Minnie?"
Their mother frowned at the untouched tray in Nora's hands and stood up, but Jennifer grabbed her arm.
"Mom, stop coddling her. She throws a hunger strike every time she's unhappy. What's next? She wants the stars in the sky and you'll pluck them down for her?"
"If you ask me, let her starve. She's sick anyway."
That was the line. Their mother's expression hardened.
"Watch your mouth. She's your sister. No matter what, you don't say things like that."
"Nora, go ahead and start on dinner. I'm going upstairs to check on Minnie."
Jennifer tossed her stuffed animal aside and followed their mother up the stairs.
"Minnie, it's Mom. Will you open the door, sweetie?"
"Mom, why do you even care?"
Their mother shot Jennifer a look, and she reluctantly shut her mouth.
"I know you're upset about the arranged marriage. But marrying Mr. Sanchez, you'd have a good life. And it would help our family too. Isn't that wonderful?"
"Hmph. If I hadn't backed out, it never would've been her turn." Jennifer muttered under her breath.
"Minnie? Will you open the door, please?"
