I opened the bedroom door and walked slowly down the stairs. Everything was as I remembered. My younger brother, Calvin Miller, was whimpering at the dining table. "Mom, when is sister getting up? I'm really going to starve."
A woman in her forties, still graceful, appeared in my line of sight. That was my mother, Sophia Smith, who had died of a sudden heart attack in my previous life after hearing I was imprisoned. But I, her most beloved daughter, hadn't been able to attend her funeral. Sophia was pointing a spatula at Calvin's head. "Keep it down. Your sister is exhausted from just finishing her exams."
Calvin replied in disbelief, "My dear mother, do you remember that your adorable son also just finished his exams?" I couldn't hold back anymore. I ran down and hugged Sophia tightly. "Mom, I've missed you so much." Sophia was startled and quickly put down the spatula. "What's wrong with you? Why are you crying so early in the morning?"
Calvin brought over some slippers and placed them by my feet. "Put on your shoes, or you'll get sick, and mom will make me take care of you." I turned and hugged Calvin, "My dear brother, let me have a good look at you." Calvin looked up in alarm.