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April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.
April Fools' Day. My three brothers livestreamed their trust test. Ethan built me a crystal coffin. Aiden custom-made the burial gown. Jasper lined it with blood-red roses. All for fake heiress Melody's sick little fake-death prank. "Isla, lie down—prove you can take the joke. Then we'll accept you as real family." I wanted in so bad. So I climbed in without hesitation. The second they locked it, I realized—NO AIR VENTS. I clawed the glass, gasping, desperate. Melody laughed, phone aimed at my suffocating face. "My sister's turning PURPLE! Oscar-worthy!" My brothers? "Drama queen." "Can't take a joke." You wanted me dead for that b!tch? WRONG. When I crawl out of this box, I'm nailing every single one of you in—ALIVE. With my last strength, I pounded my bloodied fingers against the coffin. Aiden leaned closer, frowned at the blood. "Isla, you okay? If you're really hurt, I'll let you out now." He reached for the key. Melody grabbed his arm. "Aiden! She's messing with you!" She pointed at the blood, giggling. "That's SO fake! She even brought blood packets for the prank—total method acting!" Aiden paused. Let go of the key. Laughed. "Isla, you really went all out with fake blood for this?" My mouth hung open, body convulsing. "Help... can't... breathe..." I stared at Aiden, mouthing desperately. He gave me a thumbs-up. "That blood looks amazing. You really tried to impress us, huh?" "Texture's a bit off though. I'll teach you Hollywood effects next time." Melody shoved her phone at the coffin. "Look! Her eyes are rolling back! INSANE acting!" "Give my sis some love! Let's see how long she keeps this up!" I thrashed, smashing elbows and knees into the lid. BANG. BANG. Smashed my forehead into the glass. Blood everywhere. Ethan walked over, sighed, tapped the glass above me. "Alright Isla. Quit it. Save your energy." No anger in his voice. Just indulgence. "I drilled those vents myself. You won't suffocate." "All night means all night. Behave and don't try guilt-tripping us." I shook my head desperately. Wanted to scream: "The vents are SEALED!" Couldn't even keep my eyes open. Jasper bent down, grinned, tapped where I lay. "Drama queen. Aiden made that gown super soft. Just sleep!" "Get through tonight. Pass this test." "Tomorrow I'll get you strawberry cheesecake. Your reward!" Ethan and Aiden laughed. "We already ordered it! Coming tomorrow morning!" "Isla's official welcome gift!" My oxygen-starved brain filled with black spots. Outside, they laughed, planned rewards, imagined me as real family. Inside, I was fading. Couldn't see their faces anymore. Hands went limp. One last look. Pupils dilated. Body went weightless. My soul slipped through the glass, floated up. Looked down. Corpse blue-purple. Lips black. Eyes frozen wide. Jasper tapped the lid, teasing. "Wow, still holding her breath? Oscar-worthy commitment." Aiden laughed. "Probably tired. Just lying there now." I stared at their smiling faces. Screamed—silent, shredding: "I'm NOT acting... I'm really dead!" My corpse lay still in the crystal coffin. Aiden's smile faded. He leaned closer, nose nearly pressed to the glass, staring hard at my face. "Ethan." His voice suddenly tight. Ethan glanced up from his phone. "What?" "Isla's face looks... wrong." Aiden reached into his pocket, pulled out the backup key. "She's white as paper. Lips are black. What if she actually passed out? I'm opening it." He moved the key toward the lock. Melody lunged, grabbed his wrist. "Aiden, what are you doing?!" Aiden frowned. "Her face looks too pale. Something's off." "Off? Are you serious?!" Melody jabbed a finger at my corpse, furious. "She STOLE my foundation!" Aiden froze. "Foundation?" Melody's eyes went red, bit her lip like she was hurt. "My palest shade—the one I couldn't find this afternoon? She took it!" "Her skin's so dark. Of course she looks freaky in my lightest shade!" Tears welled up as she spoke. Ethan's head snapped up, eyes ice-cold. "Melody, you're saying she stole from you?" I screamed silently from above: "I didn't steal anything! I'm white because I SUFFOCATED!" No one heard. Melody wiped her eyes, nodded. "That was the limited edition you brought me from Paris last month." Ethan's face went black. Strode to the coffin. BANG. He kicked the side. Hard. The coffin rocked violently. My body rolled with the impact, skull slamming into the glass. Ethan pointed at my motionless corpse, screaming. "Isla! Sticky fingers wasn't bad enough—now you're faking death to scare Melody?!" "You really think we'd feel sorry for you?" Aiden's hand dropped, key dangling. The worry in his eyes turned to disgust. "And I thought something was actually wrong." "Using cheap tricks for sympathy? Disgusting." Melody aimed her phone at the livestream, smirked. "See that, everyone? My sister's so desperate to frame me, she's stealing AND faking death." The comments exploded with hate. Jasper laughed coldly, staring down at my face. "Think cake makeup's gonna fool us?" He flicked the glass right above my eyes. "Nice contacts. Really nailed that dead-fish-eye effect." "Committed to the bit, huh? Hollywood's missing out on their best corpse actor." "Forget her." Ethan straightened his suit jacket, messed up from kicking the coffin. "No one opens that door tonight. Let her think about what she's done!" He turned to Melody, voice softening instantly. "Melody, come on. Back to the living room." "We got you April Fools' gifts. Let's go open them." Melody's eyes lit up, grabbed Ethan's arm immediately. "Really? Thank you, Ethan!" Before leaving, she glanced back at my corpse. Lips curled into a cold, satisfied smile. The garage lights clicked off. The heavy metal door rolled down. My soul drifted after them into the living room. Designer gift boxes covered the massive coffee table. Melody let out a cheer, dove onto the couch, eagerly started tearing into them. Limited edition bags. Custom diamond necklaces. Sports car keys. Each gift she opened, she kissed one of my brothers on the cheek. They melted every time. I floated near the ceiling, watching this perfect little family of four. Ethan rubbed his temples, reached for two navy velvet boxes at the corner. Melody's eyes lit up. "Ethan, what are those?" He pulled back. "These are for Isla." Her hand froze mid-air. Smile vanished. Aiden chimed in: "A custom white dress. And a bracelet." Jasper sighed. "She's been back for months, wearing the same two ratty t-shirts. Doesn't even own a decent dress." "Tomorrow when she gets out, we'll give her these. Our official welcome gift." Melody stared at those velvet boxes. Suddenly her eyes went red. Tears spilled down her face. "Are you all abandoning me?" She spun around, sobbing dramatically. "She's so HORRIBLE! She stole from me, faked death to scare me, ruined our April Fools'!" "And you still got her these perfect welcome gifts?!" "Is it because blood matters more? Because I'm the fake one who doesn't belong here anymore?!" All three brothers panicked. Jasper dropped to one knee beside the couch, grabbed her hands. "Melody, don't talk nonsense! You'll always be my only little sister!" Ethan looked at the boxes, then at her trembling sobs. Barely hesitated. Shoved both boxes into her arms. "Stop crying. It's just a dress and a bracelet. They're yours." Melody sniffled, looked up, fake-hesitated. "But... these were supposed to welcome Isla." Ethan sighed. "After today's manipulative stunt? She doesn't deserve to wear something this pure." "Once she comes out tomorrow, we'll just buy her something else later." Tears fell from my hollow eyes. You don't need to. Ethan. None of you. Because I'll never receive another gift from you again. Melody's tears stopped instantly. Right in front of them, she ripped open the boxes. Shook out the dress—custom-made to MY measurements—held it up to herself. Melody grabbed the hem, spun toward my brothers. "Can I try it on RIGHT NOW?" Minutes later, Melody walked out wearing the dress—tight on her—bracelet dangling from her wrist. Twirled in the living room, cooed. "Do I look pretty?" All three brothers nodded eagerly. Jasper pulled out his phone, snapped photos nonstop. Melody grabbed Ethan's arm, swayed cutely. "Ethan, since the dress doesn't fit Isla anymore, let's go to the garage right now!" "Show her how good it looks on ME! Please?" Ethan frowned. "She's still being punished. Why go now?" "Oh come on! And we can livestream it—let everyone vote on who wears it better!" After Melody's relentless begging, Ethan caved. "Fine. Whatever you want." The garage door rolled back up. The harsh lights blazed back on, illuminating the flower-filled crystal coffin. Inside, my corpse still lay twisted from when Ethan kicked it. Melody raised her phone excitedly, restarted the livestream. Holding her dress hem, she pranced toward the coffin. "Isla! Wake up! Open your eyes!" "Ethan gave me this gorgeous white dress—don't I look beautiful?" I lay silent. Motionless. When I didn't respond, Melody pouted at the camera, fake-sad. "Aww, sis still won't forgive me. Won't even look at me." Ethan stepped forward, knuckles rapping the glass impatiently. "Isla, quit the act." "Get up right now. Apologize to Melody. We'll let this go." "I'll buy you a better dress later." The coffin stayed deathly silent. No breathing. No movement. Triumph flashed in Melody's eyes. She tugged Ethan's sleeve, playing generous. "It's okay, Ethan. If she doesn't want to talk, just leave her alone." Ethan stared at my unresponsive body. His patience finally snapped. "FINE! You wanna lie there so bad? Then stay in there and think about what you've done!" "No one opens this door tonight. She stays till morning!" He turned toward the garage door switch. Aiden and Jasper shook their heads, started to leave. Then— Comments suddenly flooded the livestream: [Wait... is that girl in the coffin the one who washes dishes all night at the diner?!] [HOLY SHIT! That's HER!] [I asked her once—why's a girl your age not in school?] The chat exploded. Strangers shocked, confused. Then a longer comment appeared: [She smiled and told me she'd finally found her real brothers. Said she was saving money to buy them the gifts they'd always wanted!] [So why... why are you locking her in a COFFIN?!] Melody's smile froze. The garage went dead silent. "Washing... dishes?" Ethan's voice trembled. All three brothers spun around, staring at the screen. Memories hit them. Those freezing winter months. When I came home at dawn every night. Melody had told them I was sneaking around with street thugs. Ethan slapped me so hard I hit the floor. Then kicked me out into the snow. Made me kneel outside for hours. "That's... impossible... she was..." Aiden's voice shook. Melody panicked. Lunged for the phone, shouted: "It's FAKE! All lies! You can't trust online trolls! She obviously hired them for sympathy!" "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Ethan roared, shoved Melody to the ground. Eyes bloodshot, he lunged at the coffin like crazy. Hands shaking, he grabbed for his pockets. No key. "THE KEY! GET ME THE KEY!" he screamed at Aiden. Aiden scrambled toward the toolbox, tearing through it for the spare. Ethan couldn't wait. He grabbed a massive sledgehammer from the corner, raised it high— Brought it down HARD on the lock.