06
I couldn’t zip up the dress.
I patted Mom on the bed, saying, “Mom, can
you help me zip it up, I can’t reach.”
Mom still didn’t respond.
Was it because I was too bad?
Now, even Mom doesn’t want me anymore?
I was scared, not wanting to wear that white
dress anymore.
I changed my clothes.
Walking out the door, Dad frowned.
“How are you being raised, you mom could
buy you some new clothes?”
That’s not it.
It’s not like that.
Mom is good to me.
I just can’t put on that dress.
I velled in my heart.
く
But, I didn’t dare say anything.
I was afraid.
If I said it.
Dad would hate me more.
Dad took me to school.
The teacher was happy to see Dad.
Seeing me, she looked strange.
“Hello, Ms. Davis, could you get Tiffany?”
“Of course, Mr. Reynolds, one moment.”
Tiffany came out quickly.
L
Seeing my dad, she was happy, jumping up
and down, running to Dad, hugging him.
“Dad!”
I took a step back.
Dad patted her cheek, saying, “Good girl.”
He looked at me, his smile gone, looking
serious, asking, “Lily, did you fight with
Tiffany?”
“No.” I shook my head, it wasn’t fighting, I
just grabbed her hairband.
“Lying?”
Dad frowned, his voice much colder.
<
“Is that how your mother taught you? Bullying
other kids, and lying, you are a
disappointment.”
I didn’t understand what Dad meant.
But I knew, he didn’t like me now.
My nose tingled, wanting to cry, hearing him
yell at me.
“Don’t cry!”
“Crying over nothing! You’re not good enough
to be my daughter!”
I tried not to cry, but I couldn’t help it.
Holding it in, I couldn’t breathe.
<
The teacher came over, patting my back,
saying, “Lily, breath, breath.”
But I didn’t dare breathe.
As long as I breathe, I’d lose control and cry.
Dad sighed, not yelling anymore, saying,
“Apologize to Tiffany.”
I opened my mouth, using all my strength,
trying not to cry.
Saying softly, “I’m sorry.”
“Louder.”
“I’m sorry!”
Tears rolled down.
L
I couldn’t see anything.
Dad was not happy, asking, “What did you do
wrong?”
“I shouldn’t have taken her things, Dad, I was
wrong, please don’t hate me.”
Dad ignored me, holding Tiffany’s hand,
turning, saying to me, “Come in.”
He tried to pull me into the classroom.
The teacher said, “Mr. Reynolds, it’s okay,
they are kids, kids will be kids.”
“She needs to pay the price, Lily, come in.”
I sniffed, following Dad.
He told the teacher to stop teaching.
He made me apologize to Tiffany in front of
everyone.
I looked at Tiffany in his arms.
She was wearing a new hairband.
It was prettier than the last one.
I knew.
Dad bought it for her.
And I, wore old clothes.
My hair was a mess.
No, I can’t be like this.
く
I don’t want to embarrass Mom.
I wiped my tears, saying, “I’m sorry.”
“Louder.” Dad’s voice was cold, not like the
gentle voice he used with Tiffany.
“I’m sorry! Tiffany! I shouldn’t have taken your
things! I was wrong! Please forgive me.”
I said.
And I couldn’t stop my tears.
I cried loudly.
Dad frowned, just about to yell, the teacher
knew something was wrong, holding me.
L
And I, just blacked out, falling backwards.
Before I passed out, I saw Dad annoyed.
He held Tiffany, he did not care about me.
