"Um... Mother."
Helen ignored Ellie's call, treating her as if she didn't exist. Used to this, Ellie called out to her again.
"I... We need to set a date for meeting the parents."
"Huh, what did you say?"
Helen finally turned her head and glared at Ellie.
"Meeting the parents. When would be a good time for you? I think we should discuss it with Father as well-"
Slap--
At that moment, Ellie's head snapped to the side. Helen had suddenly rushed over and slapped her cheek.
She tasted salty blood in her mouth.
Ellie smiled bitterly and lowered her head. It meant she was sorry, regardless of the reason.
This was a familiar situation. Indifference or violence. That's usually what Helen gave Ellie. And when Ellie reminded her of Anna, she would occasionally show a sunny smile.
She remembered her younger self, who did everything to see that smile.
She had tried to make herself look like her dead sister in any way possible. The young Ellie was happiest when Helen called her Anna.
