Chapter 1
This is the story of Patient, a girl who lived with her mother, Mary, and her stepsister, Lila. Since the passing of Lila's father, Mary vowed to never become the 'wicked stepmother' people often spoke of."
"She showered Lila with love and care, determined to be the perfect mother. But in doing so, she neglected her own daughter."
"While Mary helped Lila with her homework, Patient sat alone in her room, unnoticed."
"When Mary cooked meals, Patient’s plate was an afterthought. When Patient wanted to share her achievements, her mother was too busy comforting Lila."
"One cold winter night, Patient walked home alone through the snow, as she always did."
"She didn’t complain, but deep down, she wished for the love her stepsister received."
"Hours passed, and Mary began to worry. But when the door knocked, it wasn’t Patient returning home."
"Two solemn-faced officers stood at the doorstep, delivering the tragic news. Patient had slipped and fallen into a freezing river."
"At the funeral, Mary stood by her daughter’s grave, a weight of regret crushing her heart."
"Lila whispered softly, 'She never blamed you, Mom. She always understood.'"
"But it was too late for Mary to understand. She had focused so hard on being the perfect stepmother that she had forgotten to be a mother at all."
