Chapter 4 Anna's POV

A ray of sunlight poured through my window, warm and blinding. It cast a soft glow on the pink curtains as I slowly blinked awake. I stretched lazily, yawned, and rolled over. I was just about to go back to sleep when, Grrrrrrr... My stomach growled loud enough to wake the dead. "Ugh, I'm starving," I groaned, dragging myself out of bed. I padded downstairs, expecting to see breakfast waiting-something hot and delicious. But the dining table was empty. Empty. "That fool is still sleeping?" I hissed, already pissed.

Seriously, she has one job-to make herself useful-and she can't even do that? I stormed back upstairs, marching straight to Natalie's room. I didn't even bother knocking. The door creaked open to silence. Weird. The bed was nearly made, too neat for someone who slept in it. It looked like no one had laid there at all. I scanned the tiny room and scoffed. "This dump?" I muttered under my breath. "Even a goat deserves better." Mom gave her this closet-sized space after the incident. Said she needed to be separated. Said she needed to be watched-after what she did to my dad. My eyes moved to the wall. Her favorite backpack, the ugly little black one she always clutched like a lifeline, Gone. I froze. "No... no, no, no. Let it not be what I'm thinking," I whispered, suddenly uneasy. I rushed to the wardrobe. Locked. She locked it? Natalie never locks her wardrobe. A strange chill crawled up my spine. Then my stomach rumbled again, snapping me out of it. "Mummmmm!" I screamed, dashing out of the room. I rushed into Mom's room, nearly tripping over my own feet. She was seated at her dressing table, humming softly while applying makeup-probably getting ready to go out again. I never knew where she always went, and honestly, I was starting to wonder. I narrowed my eyes at her reflection in the mirror. I hope she's not seeing another man. I won't accept that. It's Dad or no one. She noticed my presence and raised an eyebrow. "Baby, why are you screaming like that?" "Mum," I said, breathless, "I can't find Natalie anywhere in the house. Her room's empty... and I'm starving!" She paused, her hand mid-air with the mascara wand. "What do you mean Natalie is nowhere to be found?" she asked, a frown forming. "This isn't some kind of prank, is it? Because today's not April Fool's," she added, turning back to the mirror like it wasn't a big deal. "Mum, I'm serious!" I whined, tears brimming in my eyes. "I'm hungry, the house is dirty, and she didn't even sweep today!" That got her. She stood abruptly, knocking over her makeup brush, and stormed toward Natalie's room. I followed closely behind. The moment she opened the door and looked around, her expression shifted. The bed was barely touched. Her backpack was gone. The wardrobe-locked. Mrs. Laura's lips thinned. She stood silently for a moment, her eyes narrowing like she was trying to piece something together. "Don't worry, baby," she finally said, forcing a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "She probably stepped out to get something. She has no money, no connections-she can't last a day out there without us. She'll be back." I wasn't convinced. "You're sure?" "Of course," she said, waving it off. "Where would she even go?" Then, as if the whole thing bored her, she added, "I'll go fix you some noodles," and walked toward the kitchen without another word. Mum emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later with two bowls of noodles. She placed mine in front of me, and I dove in immediately. It wasn't as good as Natalie's cooking, not even close, but I had to eat something. I finished in minutes and left the plate right there on the dining table. After all, it's Natalie's job to clear the table. She always does it, even after cooking meals she never gets to eat. I flopped onto the couch and turned on the TV, flipping through channels until I landed on my favorite movie. I was just starting to enjoy it when Mum's voice came from the kitchen. "Anna, come take your plate to the sink." I didn't even turn. "Mummy, you know I can't. That's Natalie's job," I said, casually popping a biscuit into my mouth. There was a pause. Then, without another word, she came over and picked up the plate herself. That's why I love my mum. She's always there for me. I giggled, snuggling deeper into the couch. But as the hours passed, the weight of Natalie's absence settled on me. I frowned. I don't think she just went out to get groceries-she should've been back by now. She better be safe... I mean, who else is going to cook? She's the only one who actually knows how to make decent food. And don't even get me started on the laundry. Ugh. I can't do it myself, eww! That soapy water stinks. My hands are too soft for that nonsense. I stood up and began pacing restlessly. My feet took me to the window, and I peeped outside, still no sign of her. The street was quiet. Too quiet. I know Mum's worried too. Not out of love, of course, but out of obligation, she just won't show it. She's always been good at hiding her feelings behind that cold face and red lipstick. But I can tell. She didn't go out today. Whatever place she usually sneaks off to, she skipped it. That alone tells me something's off. Even if I pretend I don't care... I do. Just a little. My restlessness was making me sweat, even under the cold blast of the AC. I walked to the fridge to grab a cold drink, hoping it would calm my nerves. But the moment I opened it, my eyes landed on a small, folded piece of paper. It had Natalie's handwriting. My heart skipped. Something in me said this wasn't good. My hands started shaking as I picked it up and headed straight to Mum's room. She was still seated at her dressing table, staring into the mirror like nothing was wrong. Without a word, I handed her the note. She unfolded it. Her brows drew together as she read out loud: "Thank you for giving me a roof over my head, that's the only good thing you both ever did. I'm leaving. I'm going to train, to get stronger so I can avenge my parents. And when I'm done, I'll come back. I'll come back for you... And I'll make sure you both get a taste of your own medicine." My eyes widened in horror. Natalie was gone. And this time, she wasn't coming back as the weak girl we used to bully.