The Hide and Seek Game That Lasted a Lifetime novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The small kennel tucked away in the corner of the yard was finally dismantled, its wooden walls broken down and scattered. I was moved into a large, airy room inside the villa, a space that felt strange and unfamiliar compared to the cramped shelter I had known.

“From now on, this will be your home,” Dad said softly, bending down to meet my eyes, his voice gentle but firm.

Fear overtook me, and I stepped backward, shaking my head in panic. “No, I don’t want to stay here,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

Instead of the happiness I thought he might show, Dad’s face tightened with concern. “Why not?” he asked, his brow furrowing.

I couldn’t find the words to explain. Instead, I pressed my shaking body against the cold wall, my voice barely audible as I pleaded, “Please, let me go back to the kennel. I want to live there.”

Dad sighed deeply, crouching beside me with a patient smile. “Sweetheart, this place is so much better, I promise. It’s warm and safe. Just try lying down on the bed for me, okay? If you do, I’ll bring you some cake—any flavor you want.”

But no matter what he said, I remained silent, refusing to speak, only shaking my head repeatedly, my eyes wide with terror and confusion.

Frustration finally broke through Dad’s calm demeanor. He raised his voice sharply, losing his patience. “The kennel isn’t for you! It’s for dogs, not people! Can’t you understand that?”

I was overwhelmed by fear. I screamed and tried to run outside, but in my panic, I tripped over the step by the window and fell hard onto the ground.

The dull thud echoed through the room, and Liam rushed over, panic etched on his face. “Dad! Sis… she’s bleeding! She’s bleeding a lot!”

Since I had returned, the house had been heavy with silence and tension. The atmosphere felt suffocating, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.

When Liam learned the truth about me, he began to act kinder, though awkwardly. He would linger just outside my door, peering through the crack as if trying to understand me better.

“Well, since you’re older now… I guess I have to call you ‘sis.’ Whatever. Hey, have you ever played with a pinwheel? It spins when you run with it. It’s pretty cool.”

“Sis, the fruit trees outside have ripe fruit. Want to come pick some with me?”

“Hey, could you maybe just look at me? I know I was mean before, okay? I’m… I’m going to try harder. I promise.”

Eight years had taught me how to obey and to please others, but in my memories, there were no sweet fruits or cozy beds. There was only fear and confusion.

I withdrew further into myself, spending hours curled up in corners, as if the cold, solid walls were the only things that could offer me a moment’s peace.

Mom looked at me with a complicated expression and handed me a spoon.

The cold metal against my skin triggered a violent reaction. I struggled fiercely, overturning the entire table.

In my mind, I was back at this very table, remembering how Mom had used a spoon to scrape every inch of skin on my arm.

The hot soup splashed onto everyone, causing Liam to wince and cry out in pain.

He shot me an angry glare, about to curse, but then he noticed me kneeling on the floor, my face twisted in agony.

His expression softened, and he hurried over.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked, concern replacing his anger.

“Blood… Sis is bleeding again!” he exclaimed, panic rising in his voice.