Chapter One

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I look at the sight in front of me, paralyzed in shock.

Why don't I feel disgusted? Why do I find this so fascinating?

I take in the horrifying sight once more, amusement showing on my face.

I need to turn back. I need to run.

Suddenly, I hear a voice booming in the distance.

"Oh, look who it is."

August 28, 20XX - Zen

The day started out in a pretty normal way. Normal as in my oldest sister almost blew up the kitchen again.

"Liz, this is why I take care of all the cooking," I reprimanded in a soft voice.

She pouted as she responded, "well, since I never do any chores around the house, I just wanted to help out. But uh, I guess that backfired, didn't it."

She laughed a bit and looked down, probably embarrassed at the mess she caused.

"Look, you work hard every day to earn enough money for us to live comfortably, so you have no need to do housework. You've just made a mess that I'm going to have to clean up. Look, just- go set the table for me, ok?" I asked with a sigh.

She nodded as she made pace to the living room.

God, what  am i going to do with this girl.

"I'll help clean the kitchen!"  Emmi offered as she trodded her way over to where I stood.

"Wipe down that pan and make sure the stove and floor are clean. I'll start making breakfast for everybody." I ordered as I took out some ingredients from the fridge.

My morning was chaotic, as per usual, but it wasn't all that unpleasant. My siblings and I only have each other, ever since the incident last year took our parents' lives. The four of us, Lizbeth, Emmi, Luka and I have always been close. That event just made us become even closer to each other. We were fortunate that Liz was already 18 when it happened, so she was able to take custody of us.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Luka coming down the stairs. He looked really prepared for school, his straight black hair brushed to the side and emerald green eyes looking down at the bookbag in his hands. If anyone else were to look at him, they'd see an extremely composed child just calmly going about his day. But I know better than that. Look past that mask, and you'll find, he's actually a nervous wreck at the moment. His hands are sweaty, and his face paler than usual. He's also biting on the inside of his cheek, which normally, nobody would notice.

"Gosh, Luka, stop biting your cheek like that, your mouth is gonna start bleeding. Calm down, you're going to do fine." I said as I pat his head, ruffling his hair a little.

His nervousness is understandable, as today is his and Emmi's first day at their new school. It's also my first day, but they go to a completely different school then me. Luka is starting 6th grade, and Emmi 8th grade, meanwhile I'm starting my sophomore year of high school. We had to move to a completely different state during the summer. It was mostly because Liz's producer, Kyle, got her some jobs here in New York.

"Luka! We need to get to the train station, don't forget your Metro Card unless you wanna have to take a bus!" Emmi said as she put her school ID card and Metro Card in her purse and took her backpack as she made her way to the door.

Luka was about to leave when I threw a sandwich I prepared for him, knowing he wouldn't have time for breakfast. He caught it right as it was about to hit his head, and nodded thanks.

"That was unnecessary, Zen. What if Luka didn't catch it?" Liz said, fully aware of the response I would give.

"But he caught it, so it's fine."

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