One Day My Sister Died - Chapter 2 - Part 1

Chapter 2 – Part 1

 An Ordinary Tragedy

Yuan first met Louise ten years ago.

Her parents, always busy maintaining the prestigious reputation of the Felice lineage, which had produced renowned physicians for generations. 

The master of the family, her father, mingled with medical scholars in the capital, while her mother, in support, attended various events.

Winter was the only time young Yuan could meet her parents.

During winter, her parents returned to the Felice mansion to plan and prepare for the next year.

During all seasons except winter, young Yuan struggled with loneliness.

She wandered in her father’s study, seeking his presence, and lingered in her mother’s bedroom, searching for her lingering scent

Her parents said living so busily was Felice’s destiny.

Nobles may not work, but Felice was different. 

It was said Felice gained such renown because a former lord was a famous doctor and had once saved an emperor from death.

They said one must not forget their roots and must protect Felice power.

Her parents were strict but affectionate.

So, Yuan always awaited winter.

Having her parents and Yuan together at home was perfect.

No, wait.

To be a ‘perfect’ family, Louise also had to be there.

Louise was the older sister that Yuan had never met since she was 10 years old. 

She was undergoing treatment in some warm southern institution due to an illness that even Felice’s capabilities couldn’t fix.

“Yuan, my child. Finally, your sister is coming to Felice. Be happy.” 

Winter when she was 10.

Upon receiving a short letter from her mother, Yuan rejoiced.

Finally, her sister was coming to the mansion. 

In this vast mansion where her parents were absent, she finally had a small family to rely on.

Her parents, Louise, and herself, are spending this winter in the mansion as a perfect family.

Just listing these simple facts made young Yuan’s heart swell.

From that day on, Yuan imagined happiness every day. 

A 12-year-old girl, dressed beautifully, smiling widely at Yuan. 

And behind her, their parents watching them proudly.

Walking together down the halls they once walked alone, amidst the servants who always seemed solemn. 

Even choosing clothes for the debutante ball, the dream of every girl, with her sister as she grew up. 

Just imagining it made her happy.

But the reality that came crashing down was the complete opposite of her imagination.

“Miss, the Madam… the Count..”

Urgent footsteps

The enormous front door creaked open, revealing a raging snowstorm.

Knights appeared, their beards adorned with small icicles, and a pale-faced butler.

“They were escorting Lady Louise, but their carriage was overtaken by the snowstorm…”

Behind the knight, who was on his knees sobbing, another knight escorted a girl into the mansion, protecting her.

The unfamiliar girl, whose face was frozen and red and unable to even shed tears, stiffened as if struck by lightning when she spotted Yuan.

Then, she stumbled towards Yuan, leaning heavily on her for support. 

“You must be Yuan.”

Her voice was thin and trembling.

“You’re my sister.”

The girl approached Yuan, as if unsure how to speak, and reached out to her.

“I’m your sister, Louise Felice.”

With a cold embrace, she pulled Yuan into her arms.

Beyond Louise’s lowered shoulders, two bodies were covered with two cloaks.

They were her parents’ bodies.

 ***

There was nothing particularly extraordinary about the tragedy of the Count Felice’s family.

The deaths of the couple were just a common carriage accident in winter.

Children orphaned and entrusted to relatives was a very typical situation.

Even the sudden arrival of their uncle and his family to claim authority over the children’s home wasn’t so unusual.

“Now, we’re all Felice!”

 To young Yuan, however, her uncle was someone she saw for the first time in her life.

“Now we’re a real family!”

 And the absence of the care Yuan had imagined was crucial.

***

Yuan had to accept a new family before she could overcome the sadness of losing her parents.

“So, this is your father’s study.”

Her uncle, Garrett Felice, with his curly black hair slicked back with oil, plopped down heavily on the desk cluttered with her father’s belongings.

After fondly touching the arms of the grand chair, he suddenly cried, wiped his tears on the desk, and said aloud.

 “I never thought I’d sit in this chair.”

Opening the safe and licking his lips, her uncle, upon seeing Yuan standing awkwardly in front of the study door, said just one thing.

“Doesn’t your father have a safe hidden somewhere, full of gold or land deeds?”