Chapter 4 The answer was no. About half a month before the Autumn Harvest Dinner, Margaret took me and Leo to the Riverside Department Store, planning to buy us some treats and toys. And there, by sheer chance, we ran into Julian-with Violet at his side. He was leaning close, fastening a silk scarf around her neck with tender care. From behind, they looked perfect together: handsome and elegant, a flawless pair. Leo immediately squeezed in beside me, grinning with pride as he showed off. "See? That's the kind of person who deserves to be with my dad." "If you know what's good for you, you'd better leave on your own, you burden." Mm... Leo always loved calling me "burden"-over and over. I bit my lip and reached out, ready to pinch his cheek and tell him, "Hey kid, I can be fierce too. I'm not some one to be messed with." But when I lifted my eyes, I met Julian's gaze. He froze in alarm, almost guilty, and instantly stepped back from Violet. "Eleanor, it's not what it looks like. Violet and I are just... just friends-" Before he could finish, I nodded. I didn't blame him. Truly. From that dream, I had already known: after meeting Violet, Julian would no longer belong only to me. What I hadn't expected was how completely Violet would take him away. Because that very night, I came down with a fever. It was probably because I hadn't worn enough layers during the day. Usually when I was sick, Julian would make me hot ginger tea. He would sit by my bed, tell me stories, coax me into sleep. But this time, a single phone call from Violet changed everything. I heard her voice through the receiver, tearful and fragile. Chapter 4 28.57% ... "Julian, I twisted my ankle. It hurts so much. Can you take me to the hospital?" And without a moment's hesitation, Julian left. Just before he went out the door, I made one last plea. "Julian, please, can you not go? I don't feel well either," But with his car keys already in hand, he didn't even turn his head. "Be good, Eleanor. I'll take Violet to the hospital first-her situation's more urgent." "I'll bring you the candied chestnuts you love when I get back." Then he was gone. The house was silent after he left. So silent. I turned over in bed, tears spilling down my cheeks. I wept-not for the fever, but because once again, I had no family left. Yes. Julian... my Julian... was no longer my family. I knew I wasn't smart. But my mother had once told me, "No matter what, family will never abandon you when you need them." So when Julian said, her situation's more urgent... what it really meant was-Violet was more important than me. Curled up on the bed, I waited. And waited. But even late into the night, Julian didn't return. My fever burned hotter. My mouth was parched. I had no choice but to get up and boil some water. Maybe I really was stupid. So stupid that even walking across the room, I tripped over myself. My head knocked hard against the cabinet-hard enough to see stars. And at last, I understood why, in that dream, Julian had grown to resent me. Because just as Leo had said-I really was a burden. A dead weight. I couldn't do anything right. I bit back my sobs. It hurt. God, it hurt-my forehead throbbed with pain. Like when my mother used to soothe me, I whispered to myself, "Don't cry, Eleanor. Be good. Be brave. You're strong, so strong." But even as I whispered, my tears fell harder. Mom, I miss you so much. I miss both you and Chapter 4 28.57% E Dad. You were the only ones who never thought I was stupid. I crouched there on the floor, sobbing. That night, the moon and stars were hidden behind heavy clouds. I pulled out the vintage floral dress Mom had made for me from the wardrobe. Clutching it close, I finally fell into a heavy sleep. Chapter 4 28.57%