Chapter 1

My mom and dad, who revolved around my sister Barbara every single day, had no idea that I had another family—inside the mirror.

When the three of them went on a trip for three days, they finally remembered they had me.

But when Mom and Dad rushed home in a panic, they found me cleaned up and well-fed, looking healthy and plump.

The guilt and alarm on Mom's face gave way to sheer disbelief.

"Somerville, have you been taking care of yourself these past few days?"

I shook my head. "I've been staying inside the mirror these past few days. There's a mom and dad in there who took care of me."

A flash of disbelief crossed their eyes, followed by thunderous rage:

"You know Barbara has autism, and you're lying just to compete with her for our attention?"

All the exhaustion and suppression my parents had accumulated over the years poured out on me in that moment.

I was locked in my room, and Mom warned me viciously through the door.

"We're already exhausted taking care of Barbara. This family can't afford to raise two autistic children.

If you lie again, you won't be staying in this house anymore!"

I curled up in the corner, crying so hard I couldn't breathe.

Suddenly, a withered hand reached out from the mirror, gently stroking my head.

"If they abandon you one more time, I'll take you away."