This was the family I had dreamed of having a few times during my youth. Before Cassandra came and ruined everything for me.
Of course this is hell. They'd give me this just to take it away.
"I know exactly what will make you feel better," Dad said, his voice smug but playful. "But you can't stay here to get it."
I froze. I looked between them, clinging to every second, every smile, every ounce of fake warmth.
"Can't I stay just a little longer?" I asked, my voice hoarse, desperate. I want to feel the love just a tiny bit more.
I'm not used to it yet.
Mom rubbed my back gently. "Sweetie, you already know the answer to that."
I wiped my face, inhaling shakily. "But I don't want to go back. No one loves me back there."
Mom cupped my face, shaking her head. "Sweetie, you don't belong here. This place is for the dead."
