I continued to cry out that single word, "Brother." But the one I was calling wasn't them.
It was my brother from another world—the one who would pick a fight with anyone who bullied me.
The one who, even with a face full of bruises, would look at me proudly and tell me that if anyone ever dared hurt me again, he'd make sure they regretted it.
Thinking of the family waiting for me in that other world, I gritted my teeth and, with all my might, banged my head against the wall. Again and again.
"River, you're crazy!"
"What are you doing?!"
"Stop it now!"
Their shouts echoed in my ears, but all I could hear was a high-pitched ringing.
"Let me go! Let me leave!" I whispered hoarsely.
From a nearby room, Agnes and our parents emerged. They stared at me, utterly shocked by my appearance.
"River."
"What's wrong with you?"
But before anyone could say more, Agnes suddenly burst into tears.
"River, you look so scary…"
"Why did you cyberbully me, River?"
As she cried, the concern in their eyes vanished. It was replaced by profound disappointment and blame.
"River, when did you become like this?"
"You've disappointed us so much!"
They accused me harshly.