I stared at him, disbelief etching my face. How could they even fall for that crap?
I tried to talk him out of it. "Dad, there are no ghosts or spirits. If Emily's gone, she's really gone."
Mom wiped away a tear, her voice softening, "Just do as we say, Sarah. Emily hasn't even visited our dreams. She's mad at you. Stay here for one week, and if she returns, all will be forgiven. I'll make it up for you later."
"Mom!" I yelled, tears streaming. "I won't survive seven days without food or water."
"You will. The guru cast a spell, it's just to cleanse your spirit and disperse Emily's grudge. You will be good by then, and once we've seen her one last time, which is our last wish, we will get you out of it. I'll cook all your favorite dishes and spare Emily's room for you."
"Don't bother explaining. After the seventh day, she'll be the only daughter left, everything will be hers. We just ask her to lie there quietly, and she acts as if we were gonna soak her in boiling oil. Her selfish nature makes her never be as good as Emily." Dad chimed in.
He started to close the lid without waiting for my response.