Nathan emerged from the kitchen,hearing me.He frowned,snatched my phone,and faced my family on the call.
“You want her to be obedient,but who made her this way?You have the nerve to demand anything?Are you worthy?”
He hung up before they could reply.

“Trash,”he muttered.
He pulled me up,layering a coat and scarf on me.“Let’s go.”
I blinked.“Where?”
He touched my head,smiling faintly.“To celebrate your birthday.”
The wind on the rooftop was fierce
,but my hands were warm.

Fireworks exploded,and Nathan placed a birthday hat on me,shyly saying,“Didn’t have time to buy one,so I made this from stuff at home.”
“Emily,happy 22nd birthday!”
I stared at the fireworks,tears streaming down my face
Nathan,how are you so kind?

He wiped my tears,handing me a bowl of longevity noodles,beaming.
I took a bite.It was the best I’d ever had.
“Make a wish!”
He pulled me to look at the sky,urging me to close my eyes.
I wish to die more slowly
.I just met Nathan.If I go,he’ll be so sad.
Exhausted,I leaned on his shoulder,drifting off.
He adjusted my coat,whispering,“I don’t have a family either.Let’s stick together.”
“Do you want to be my sister?”
Half-asleep,I nuzzled him.“Sure.”
“I’m serious.”
He carried me to bed and tucked me in
“Sleep,Emily.”
The next day,I asked Nathan to pick out an urn.
Among rows of urns,I chose one,asking the craftsman to engrave my name on it.
I hugged it like a treasure.
On the way back,I craved dumplings from a street vendor.
Nathan told me to head home while he bought them.
On the way,I ran into the Harpers.
I clutched my urn.
Mom saw it,her face darkening.“What’s that?You know Grace is frail,and you buy an urn to curse her?How vicious!”
I didn’t bother explaining—they never listened.
I turned to leave,but Grace stopped me,teary-eyed and acting concerned
“Sis,stop this.I won’t compete for Mom or our brothers’love.Come home,and I’ll leave the family.Happy now?”