Catherine looked heartbroken. "Do you hate me, Mia? I prepared this especially for you two."
Jacob forced me to eat those shrimp to make Catherine happy.
Catherine seemed startled by my reaction and flinched.
Jacob hugged her and slapped me with his other hand.
"If you won't apologize, then I'll make you pay!"
I was so angry that I couldn't hold it back any longer. I passed out.
The first time I met Jacob was in my rundown little house.
I came back from school wearing patched clothes.
The village chief showed up at my door with three elegant strangers. They were Jacob and his parents. He told me they'd take me back with them and sponsor my education.
I didn't know why I was so lucky, but I couldn't shake off the fear I felt around them.
I locked myself in my room and didn't dare come out. Jacob came inside, gently patting my head to comfort me.
"From now on, I'm your brother. I'll protect you. You don't have to be afraid."
At that moment, the walls I'd built around my frozen heart began to melt.
From then on, I became like a little shadow following behind him.
Memories always seemed perfect in hindsight.
I'd freeze time and live in those days forever if I could.