The Ugly Truth

Craig remained silent. The wig he held in his hand felt like a scorching piece of iron, leaving him unsure of what to do.

Seeing the situation, Eden stepped forward and snatched the wig from his hand. As she tossed it into my arms, her eyes were filled with unrelenting hostility.

I calmly put the wig on. After all, a frail woman wandering the streets with a shaved head would definitely stand out.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Eden, you really don't have to be so scared. I won't be returning to the Sainsbury family."

I smiled as I spoke, but my tone was firm. "Not in this life, and certainly not in the next."

"I-I'm not scared! Mom, Dad, and Craig only love me." Eden's voice was tinged with panic. Though she screamed forcefully, I could hear the unease beneath it.

"Is that so?"

Noticing her internal unease, I smiled faintly at her. All the lingering obsession I once had dissipated at that moment.

In those four years, I came to the clearest realization—I didn't belong to the Sainsbury family.

At that moment, I didn't feel angry, nor did I feel sadness. Instead, I walked out of the café with the confidence of a winner.

I had spent 17 years with my adoptive parents. Before I was lost, I was the apple of the Sainsbury family's eye. Even after I came here, I remained as the Larson family's precious daughter.

The Larsons had treated me as their own, and I had spent my childhood in peace. That was where love and warmth truly resided.

Four years ago, Craig found me, and the Larson family thought that being in the Sainsbury family would give me a better life, so they agreed to let him bring me back.

Two years ago, my adoptive father, Peter Larson, passed away. A year ago, Lila passed away, leaving me an orphan with parents.

Since then, I'd never returned to the small, humble house.

This life was too painful. In the next life, I only wanted the life I had before I turned 17.

…

"Never thought I'd run into you here."

I sat on the couch in the cemetery management center. Across from me was a handsome young man.

He turned out to be Kevin Graham, a neighbor from Lila's hometown. I used to call him "Kev" when we were younger. Now, he was actually a cemetery sales advisor here.

Once a person knew the time of their death, it was inevitable that they would start making arrangements for what came after.

I had come to choose my plot, right next to where Peter and Lila were buried. I wanted to be their real daughter in the next life.

"We haven't seen each other since you left four years ago. What are you…?" Kevin seemed a little nervous, fiddling with his fingers. I was the first client he'd ever served here.

"Brain cancer. It's terminal. I want to be buried next to Lila," I said bluntly. Only numbness could shield me from the deep pain in my heart.

During my childhood, I was a spoiled little princess, always calling for Kev and riding on his back like he was a horse.

The good old days felt like they were long gone. How tragic that my once-beautiful self would now be seen by my childhood friend in such a decayed form.

He had seen me at my best, and now, he would see me at my worst.

"Cindy, I-I'm really sorry." Kevin's voice was low and full of sadness.

"It's alright. Everything will pass," I said with a forced smile. My gaze returned to the boy I had once relied on so much.

Kevin didn't say anything else, nor did he try to comfort me. He probably had seen enough death to be numb to it by now.

The shock, perhaps, was only because it was the first time he had encountered someone buying the plot for themselves.

"This urn's quality is good, and the price is reasonable." Kevin was very serious as he explained the details. He even picked out a practical, affordable urn for me.

"Thank you. I'll go with your arrangements." I thanked him. It was oddly comforting to meet an old friend at the end of my life.

"Could you come with me to see... my parents?" I asked.

"Sure." Kevin hesitated for a moment, then suddenly grasped my cold hand tightly in his. He seemed both nervous and pained, as if some emotion was about to spill over.

But a person on the brink of death shouldn't burden anyone else. I struggled, pulling my hand away from his.

We suddenly felt the refreshing air, just like the times when we used to run through the fields while laughing in the warm breeze of sunset.

Back then, I was carefree. But now, it seemed like that person had long been buried in some forgotten corner of the world.

As we walked toward Peter and Lila's grave, I whispered their names, "Dad, Mom..." Tears welled up in my eyes.

Their tombstone was stained with blood.

The sight before me struck so hard that everything went black.

The once simple and humble tombstone was now defiled with disgusting, bloody graffiti. I rushed toward the grave.

The blood-stained words read, "Cindy Larson is a shameless woman, and the parents who raised her are animals!"

What kind of hatred or grudge could make someone deface Peter and Lila's grave with such vicious words?

My vision went black. I collapsed to my knees, desperately trying to wipe the words off.

"Dad, Mom, I'm sorry. I've failed you. You can't even rest in peace. It's my fault. How could this happen? I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry!"

Peter and Lila had never wronged anyone and never made enemies. Everything had its cause and effect. It could only be my actions.

The rage and sorrow surged within me. My mind was a blur, and my body involuntarily shrank back. I felt like I could see the whole world mocking my helplessness.

"Cindy, be careful!"

Kevin's voice snapped me out of my shock. He rushed over and caught me just before I collapsed.

"Water… I need water... Why?" My voice trembled as I spoke. I struggled to keep my sanity.

Kevin quickly turned around and ran back to the office to fetch a water bucket and cloth. He then helped me clean the bloodstains.

My hands were scratched, and my pale clothes were stained red.

The rain fell heavier, soaking me through. Kevin desperately tried to carry me down the hill.