Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter and Phoebe) novel Chapter 236

A drizzle today. Grandma said she's taking me to Sea City today, to confront my biological parents about the child support they owe for all these years.

Today, Grandma took me to distribute food to the homeless kids again. She played the part of a saint, but I know better—she's a monster, a ghoul that devours children.

Grandma said those kids are sick and worthless, bringing bad luck. She's decided not to give them food anymore. I saved every penny I could, skimping on meals, just to buy them something to eat.

...

Clear skies today. Grandma suddenly announced she found my real parents. They're taking me back. I'm so happy. I can finally escape this nightmare.

...

Sunny today. it turns out my parents don't really like me. They disdain me for being from the countryside. My sister despises me too. She refuses to be seen with me in the car, fearing her classmates will laugh. She and her peers have ostracized me.

...

Today, Coraline cornered me in the school bathroom again. They stripped me, forced me to drink from the toilet, mocking me as country trash and a fool.

Just hold on a little longer, until graduation. I don't want to attend college. I want to leave this house. I thought the countryside was hell, but this place is far worse.

...

Today, Coraline had the nanny serve me spoiled food, while she enjoyed a gourmet meal prepared by a chef. I was so hungry that I told my parents, but they said I should be grateful for the food since I used to eat coarse grains in the countryside.

In retaliation for snitching, Coraline ambushed me on my way home, cornering me in an alley. She brought along a few boys from school, had them strip me, record videos, and forced me to beg.

I was terrified.

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Today, someone found out I've been secretly feeding the homeless kids. He said he could help me escape hell, that he could kill those who hurt me. All I had to do was observe and mimic a woman named Phoebe Caldwell and be obedient.

He asked for a list of names. He'd eliminate everyone on it for me. Just one chance.

I didn't believe him, but on a whim, I listed a boy from school who often bullied me - Elijah.

...

Today, Elijah didn't show up for class. After school, word spread that he died—an old man with dementia threw a flowerpot from his apartment window, hitting Elijah. A freak accident.

Am I to blame for giving that man Elijah's name?