The Remorse Deep in the Bones

I'm Missing

After the tense conversation with Mark, my mother had a dark expression. However, when she opened the door and saw Angelina, she immediately smiled.

"Angelina, I brought you your favorite mango cake," she said.

Angelina put down her pen and took my mother's hand. "Mom, you're so good to me."

My mother feigned a stern look as she playfully tapped her nose. "You're my daughter. It's only normal I'll treat you nice."

Angelina looked hesitant upon hearing her answer. Then, she asked cautiously, "What about Ariana?"

My mother's sour mood returned at the mention of my name. She set her bag down and said in annoyance, "Did she bother you again? I told you many times that I will not acknowledge a killer as my daughter. If she does call you next time, just block her."

When Angelina heard my mother's words, a glint of satisfaction flashed across her eyes. Then, she leaned closer to my mother and said, "Calm down, Mom. If you don't like it, I won't answer her calls ever again."

Just then, my mother's phone rang. When she answered the call, my teacher's voice sounded.

"Hello, is this Ariana's mother? We haven't been able to contact Ariana. We were hoping she could attend a school event as this year's top scorer to share her experience."

When Angelina heard the conversation, she looked disappointed.

My mother immediately became infuriated upon noticing Angelina's reaction. "I only have one daughter, and her name is Angelina. Tell Ariana that her academic achievements mean nothing.

It doesn't matter how high her grades are, as a murderer, she will always be a disgrace to society! It's cruel of her to use her grades to upset Angelina."

Strangely, I still felt a painful ache in my heart even though I was already dead.

My mother knew that my biggest dream was to become someone who fought for justice like my father. Yet, she constantly belittled me, calling me selfish and cruel.

On the other hand, the teacher was also taken aback by my mother's reaction. Then, she replied hastily, "It's just that we haven't been able to contact Ariana for over a month. She's always been obedient and wouldn't wander off on her own.

Given the recent murder case, I thought I should just check in with you to see whether Ariana was safe, especially since she lives alone and has limited mobility, which would make her a target."

Nevertheless, my mother cut her off and growled impatiently, "What could possibly happen to her? She even had the time to harass Angelina. I'd suggest you all stay away from her. I don't know why you guys keep protecting a murderer?"

With that, she hung up the phone. Worried that Angelina might be upset, she hugged her and said, "You don't need to care about what others say, Angelina. You're my daughter, and all I want is for you to be happy. As for the house and money, I've already planned everything for you."

Then, she happily showed Angelina all the things she had left for the latter, assuring Angelina that she'd be well taken care of for life.

Under the light, their shadows leaned into each other, looking like the perfect mother and daughter. And there I was, hiding in the shadows and watching someone else's happiness like a worm forgotten in the corner.

…

My teacher called my mother several times for three whole days. However, my mother would always scold the teacher and eventually block their number.

Meanwhile, my scattered bones were gradually being recovered.

Mark held a marked map and rushed toward my mother.

"Jolin, look at the locations where these bones were found. They match the spots of the hideouts Jeff destroyed. Please call Ariana and check if she's alright."

Alas, my mother didn't even look at it as she said, "Why do you insist on protecting her, Mark? Everyone who was involved was given a death sentence. No one would go after Ariana. Plus, she was just harassing Angelina a few days ago. How could she have been dead for a month?

"If you have the time to worry about her, why don't you focus on finding the last piece of the skull!"

Just as Mark was about to respond, another officer, Derek, rushed in and said, "Mark, Jolin, you guys need to see this!"