chapter 7.1 Crimson Strings

When Sebastian passed away, they returned to his home. His mother's eyes were red with a mixture of anger.

"It was your fault to take care of him," she snapped, "but you didn't."

Veronica's mom answered nonchalantly, "He didn't inform me that he was stepping out. He left without asking."

Sebastian's mother turned her anger at Veronica. "She was with him," she accused.

Veronica gazed up innocently. "He was speaking to me, and then he walked away without saying a word. I was merely taking out my toys."

"He wasn't some little boy who plays with toys… and neither are you," Sebastian's mother snarled.

Veronica gripped her doll tightly. "I'm just twelve years old. He was fourteen. We're just children," she whispered.

Her mother reached closer. "We're going home."

"Yes, Mommy.

As they were walking out, Sebastian's mother grumbled nasty words, "Hmph… go."

Veronica gritted her teeth. She wished she could just kill her on the spot—but she couldn't.

Once they were home, Veronica exclaimed, "Mom… I don't like Sebastian's mom. I just want to kill her."

Her mom stopped in her tracks. "What?"

Veronica hastened to explain, "But I can't… I just wish I had powers."

Her mother sighed, took her in a hug, and said, "Come here. Let's go to bed." She tucked Veronica into bed.

"Goodnight, sweetie."

"Goodnight, Mama."

The next morning, while going to school, a boy intercepted her. "You're Veronica, right? My little sister's classmate?"

Veronica scrunched up her face. "And you are?"

"Oh, I'm Kingston's brother," he said.

She nodded. "Oh."

He questioned, "How did he fall down the stairs?"

"I told you," Veronica said matter-of-factly. "He was headed downstairs… then I heard a noise, and he fell."

He stared at her inquisitively. "What's your name? Do you have lots of siblings?"

"My name is Lucas," he replied. "It's just me and Kingston."

Veronica leaned to one side. "Do you love your life?"

He scowled. "Yes… why?"

She smiled weakly. "Come with me."

She took him into the forest—in the vicinity where her doll's dimension existed.

"Can I tell you a secret?" she asked.

"Yes. Tell me," he said.

"I killed your brother."

Lucas looked at her in shock. "Why?"

Veronica laughed. "Because he pulled my hair."

"How… how did you kill him? Did you push him?"

"Nope."

"Then how?"

She smiled again. "I controlled him. Made him fall. Just like I can control you."

"What do you mean—"

"Take this knife," she cut in, handing it to him, "and cut your neck."

And he did. Lucas fell onto the ground.

"Bye, sweetheart," Veronica whispered, then walked off to school.

She sat in her chair as if nothing had occurred.

Following school, her mother hugged her hard.

"Mama, said, "a boy died."

Veronica scrunched her face. "How?"

"The news indicates he killed himself," mother answered.

Her mom let out air. "Oh… don't worry. mama I will never harm myself."

"Of course not, Mama said .

I'm content with my life."

Her mom smiled. "Go clean up."

Above, in her bedchamber, Elizabeth was lying on the bed.

"I enjoy killing people," Veronica breathed to her.

Elizabeth smiled weakly. "Yes."

That evening, Veronica had dinner, completed her homework, and went to sleep.

"Goodnight, Mama."

"Goodnight, sweetie."

The following morning, when Veronica was at school, a new student entered and sat next to her.