After my parents died in an accident, my brother took me to live with my would-be sister-in-law’s family. Her parents took me in and provided for me. But on her wedding day, I killed her family and left my brother wishing for death. Afterwards, I quietly opened the door, allowing the bloodstains to spread unchecked. It wasn’t long before the police arrived.

***

The air was thick with the metallic stench of blood, mingling with the fading aroma of freshly cooked food. The house, once brimming with warmth and joy, now stood silent except for the soft click of my footsteps.

When the police kicked the door open and rushed in, I was standing in the living room, pulling the last wedding decoration off the wall. The colorful streamers and balloons now seemed like a cruel mockery of the carnage around me.

“Hands where we can see them!” the captain barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

The sudden noise startled me and a sharp, searing pain erupted in my abdomen, forcing me to bend over. My breath hitched and I pressed a trembling hand to my stomach.

“Damn, kid,” the officer muttered, his eyes scanning the scene. “Did you kill all these people? Why?”

Another officer whispered something in his ear and his stern gaze returned to me, now tinged with disbelief.

“We know the Collins took you in and loved you like their own. How could you do this to them?"

I straightened slowly, letting out a shaky breath. Despite the pain, I forced a smile onto my lips, a bitter, almost deranged curve.

“Tom and Sarah were good to me,” I began, my voice soft but steady. “They treated me well for eight years. Better than I deserved. Everyone said I was like their second child, even better off than Anne.”

The shattered champagne glass, a symbol of joy, now glinted coldly under the harsh police lights. This was supposed to be a day of celebration, a day filled with laughter and love. Tom and Sarah, with hearts full of generosity, had gifted the newlyweds a beautiful home and a luxurious car. But fate had intervened, turning their happiest day into a tragedy.

The officer took a cautious step closer, his gun trained on me. “So why did you do it?”

My lips twitched into a bitter smile, but I didn’t answer.

***

Earlier that day, the house was filled with laughter and warmth. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the cozy living room. Sarah bustled around the kitchen, her apron tied neatly around her waist, while Tom hummed softly as he tended to the plants on the balcony.

“Bianca, does David have any food he doesn’t like?” Sarah called out, her tone gentle and caring. “He rarely comes home and I’m worried I’ll cook something he won’t enjoy.”

I sat cross-legged on the couch, pretending to scroll through a show on my tablet. My chest felt tight, an ache I couldn’t name spreading through me. Despite everything, I curved my lips into a sweet smile, masking the turmoil within.

“Don’t worry, Sarah,” I replied lightly. “David isn’t picky. He’ll eat anything when he’s hungry. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Sarah smiled warmly, the kind of smile that could melt anyone’s heart. She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and came over, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re such a thoughtful girl. I know it’s hard without your parents, but you’ve been such a blessing to this family.”

Tom chuckled from the balcony. “That’s right. You and David are both good kids. We’re lucky to have you.”

The praise felt like needles pricking my skin. I tightened my grip on the tablet, forcing myself to look up and smile back. “Thank you, Tom. I’ll always be grateful to you and Sarah.”

Sarah ruffled my hair affectionately, her touch gentle but suffocating. She handed me a bag filled with wedding decorations—balloons, decals, tablecloths.

“Here, Bianca. Could you help with the decorations? And don’t forget, when you find someone you like, you’d better bring him home for us to meet!”

Her words were lighthearted, teasing, but they struck a nerve I didn’t know was so raw. My smile faltered for a fraction of a second before I forced it back into place.

“Of course,” I said softly, clutching the bag tighter and tighter until the edges of the plastic dug into my palms.

Tom pretended to scoff, shaking his head with a mock frown. “She’s just turned eighteen, Sarah. Don’t push her out of the house already! Bianca, don’t listen to her. There’s no rush. You’re part of this family for as long as you want to be.”

The sincerity in his words was unbearable. My vision blurred for a moment and I blinked rapidly, swallowing the lump in my throat.

***

I shook my head, snapping back to the present. The officer was still staring at me, waiting for an answer I had no intention of giving.

“Bianca,” he said, his voice softer now, almost coaxing. “Whatever happened, we can help you. Just tell us why.”

I let out a slow breath, my gaze drifting to the blood-soaked carpet beneath my feet. “Some things,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, “can’t be forgiven.”

My mind then wandered to what happened earlier.

I opened the bag filled with wedding decorations and walked to the drawer in the hallway, rummaging through its clutter for some tape. The soft creak of the drawer echoed as I sifted through old receipts, a forgotten pair of scissors and an assortment of pens before finally finding the roll of tape.

As I turned back to the living room, I spoke casually, my voice light but tinged with guilt. “I’ve already been a burden to you for eight years. Now that I’m an adult, I feel bad staying here.”

The words lingered in the air like a sour note. Tom, who had been gently wiping the leaves of a tall ficus plant, froze mid-motion. Sarah, who was rearranging freshly washed plates on the dining table, looked up sharply. Both their faces fell, their expressions clouded with concern.

“Bianca,” Sarah began, her voice soft but firm. She stepped closer, wiping her hands on her apron. “We’re family. What burden? You’re like our own daughter. Taking care of you is what we’re supposed to do. Don’t overthink it and don’t say things like this again, or Tom and I will be sad.”

Tom set down his cleaning cloth and walked over, his gaze warm yet resolute. “That’s right. You’re part of this family and you always will be.”

The word “family” echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain. I forced a smile, nodding in agreement, but my throat tightened, making it impossible to respond. Turning back to the decorations, I began sorting through the colorful assortment of balloons and streamers.

***

The entire house seemed to hum with the joyful anticipation of David and Anne’s wedding. The faint scent of lavender cleaner mingled with the rich aroma of simmering broth.

Sarah, her cheeks flushed, flitted between the kitchen and the dining room, her apron dusted with flour. Meanwhile, Tom, ever the perfectionist, meticulously tended to the potted plants, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Their happiness was infectious, filling the space with warmth that tugged at my heartstrings. For a moment, I allowed myself to revel in it, the kind of familial love I thought I’d lost forever after my parents passed away.

But the sweetness of the moment carried a bitter aftertaste. 'What a wonderful family,' I thought, my fingers tightening around the roll of tape. 'And what a pity.'

***

I snapped out of my thoughts and began attaching the decorations. Carefully, I stuck tape onto the corners of a colorful "Congratulations" banner and stepped onto a chair to affix it above the window. The task gave me something to focus on, something to ground me amidst the swirling emotions.

Just as I finished placing the first decoration, Sarah hurried out of the kitchen, her phone pressed to her ear. “Hello, Anne? You’re downstairs? Did you buy a lot for the wedding? Don’t let David carry too much—I’ll send your dad to help!”

She ended the call with a bright laugh and called out to Tom. “Tom, go downstairs and help them. They’ve brought a ton of stuff.”

Tom nodded, setting down his cleaning cloth. “On it,” he said cheerfully, heading out the door.

***

By the time David and Anne arrived, I had just finished decorating the last window. I stepped down from the chair and turned to see my brother surveying the room, his lips curling into an approving smile.

“This family is lucky to have such a hardworking daughter,” he teased, walking over to me. “Not bad! I’m going to reward you today. Come on, guess what it is.”

I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to match his lighthearted energy. “A new Apple phone!”

David burst into laughter, reaching into his bag and pulling out a sleek new phone. He handed it to me with a grin, then ruffled my hair roughly. “Hey, where did you get so smart, huh? Did Tom and Sarah give you a secret potion or something?”

Lowering my gaze, I hid the swirl of emotions threatening to surface. “Smart? Must be genetic,” I murmured, my voice barely audible.

Anne was the last to step inside, her makeup flawlessly done, enhancing her delicate features. Standing beside my brother, they looked like a perfect match, radiating happiness. She gave me a warm smile and beckoned me to follow her into a side room.

Inside, Anne pulled out a luxurious La Mer skincare set, placing it on the small table between us. “You’re all grown up now,” she said with a wink. “It’s time you start taking care of your skin. Consider this a gift from your sister-in-law.”

The gesture caught me off guard. I stared at the set, my vision blurring as tears welled up in my eyes. Without thinking, I threw my arms around Anne, hugging her tightly. “Thank you,” I choked out, my voice thick with emotion.

Anne stroked my hair gently, her voice soft and soothing. “You’re welcome, Bianca. Just remember, you’re family now. Always.”

She left the room after a few more gentle reminders, her figure disappearing down the hall.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at the unopened skincare set. Slowly, I walked into the bathroom and set it down on the counter. My reflection in the mirror caught my attention—sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, a face that looked far older than its eighteen years.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small bottle of pills. The cap clicked open with a quiet pop and I shook two into my hand. Swallowing them dry, I closed my eyes, feeling the bitter aftertaste coat my throat.

***

“Bianca! Come eat!” Sarah’s voice rang out from the dining room, warm and cheerful. “I made sweet and sour ribs, your favorite!”

I took a deep breath, tucking the pill bottle back into my pocket. When I stepped out of the bathroom, the dining table was already set, laden with dishes.

Everyone was seated, their faces glowing with happiness as they chatted and laughed. The warmth of their joy enveloped the room, but to me, it felt like an oppressive weight pressing down on my chest. I slid into my seat, forcing a smile as the meal began.

David and Anne sat at the head of the table, their smiles radiating a kind of happiness that seemed almost surreal. They looked so perfect together, like they belonged in a magazine spread. Anne’s makeup was flawless, complementing her radiant smile, while David’s sharp suit and confident demeanor made him look every bit the groom.

Tom and Sarah had gone above and beyond, even presenting them with a brand-new car as a wedding gift. The shiny key sat on the table, reflecting the soft light like a token of their generosity.

David picked up the key, turning it over in his hands with a furrowed brow. “Sarah, why are you giving us so much?” His voice carried both gratitude and confusion.

Sarah sighed, her smile dimming slightly. “Consider it a gift from your parents,” she said softly. Her eyes grew misty and she clasped her hands together. “They’d be overjoyed to see you two finally married.”

At the mention of my parents, the lively atmosphere instantly shifted. A heavy silence blanketed the room, thick and uncomfortable. The sound of Anne’s fork clinking against her plate was the only noise.

I forced myself to remain calm, ignoring the tightening in my chest. My hand moved toward the plate of sweet and sour ribs in the center of the table, my fork poised to take a piece.

Before I could reach it, a sharp sting shot through my wrist as David slapped it away. “Who told you to eat that?” His voice was harsh, cutting through the awkward quiet like a whip. “Let go!”

Sarah flinched, her startled gaze darting between us. “David,” she said hesitantly, her tone a mixture of confusion and concern. “What’s wrong with the dish? Bianca loves this the most....”

David’s jaw tightened, the tendons in his neck standing out as he visibly struggled with something unspoken. Finally, he exhaled through his nose and muttered, “Nothing. It’s just... her last checkup showed something concerning. This isn’t good for her to eat.”

The tension in the room was suffocating, every word weighted with unspoken emotions. Without a word, I stood, picked up my plate and carried it to the kitchen. The clatter of the plate as I set it on the counter echoed in the empty space, louder than it should have been.

As I turned back, a sudden, heavy thud shattered the fragile silence, followed by two more in quick succession. The sounds were dull yet ominous, like sandbags hitting the floor. My pulse quickened, but my movements were deliberate as I walked back into the dining room.

Three bodies lay crumpled on the ground. Anne’s delicate frame was sprawled near her chair, her makeup smudged as if mocking the perfect image she had projected just moments before. Tom and Sarah lay side by side, their faces pale and lifeless.

David, still conscious, struggled against the paralysis overtaking him. His eyes, wide with a mixture of disbelief and seething hatred, locked onto mine. “Bianca,” he gasped, his voice hoarse and trembling. “What did you do? Are you insane?”

I tilted my head, a cold smile tugging at my lips. “Insane?” I echoed, my tone light, almost mocking. Slowly, I stepped toward the kitchen. I picked up a knife from the counter, its blade gleaming under the fluorescent light.

***

I returned to the dining room and approached Tom and Sarah first. Their faces, so kind and warm in life, were now frozen in expressions of shock. My grip on the knife tightened as I stood over them, my chest heaving with a mixture of exhilaration and cold determination.

Without hesitation, I plunged the blade into Tom’s chest. The knife sank deep, the resistance of flesh and bone giving way to the metallic tang of blood filling the air. My vision blurred with crimson, but I didn’t stop. I moved to Sarah, the blade descending again with unyielding force.

When I was certain they had stopped breathing, I turned to Anne. She had always been so kind, so thoughtful. I couldn’t let her suffer.

Kneeling beside her, I whispered, “Thank you, Anne.” Then, I ended it swiftly.

David was the last. His eyes, filled with raw hatred and betrayal, burned into me as I approached. The tension between us was palpable, an unspoken battle raging in the silence.

***

I set the knife down momentarily and walked to the bedroom, retrieving the book he had gifted me years ago. Sitting cross-legged in front of him, I flipped through its pages, the rustle of paper a strange counterpoint to the carnage around us.

“David,” I said softly, my voice almost tender. “Thank you for this book. It’s been very useful. The book says if a person’s spine is injured, they’ll be paralyzed for life, never able to stand again.”

Standing, I moved behind him, my hand trailing lightly along his neck. “It seems to be... just right here,” I murmured.

Before he could respond, I pressed the knife’s tip against the base of his spine and drove it in. His scream tore through the room, a piercing sound that echoed endlessly. His body collapsed, lifelessly limp, a heap of flesh and shattered nerves.

But it wasn’t enough. Ten years of pain, eight years of torment demanded more. Raising the knife again, I slashed at his legs, severing his tendons with a brutal finality. Blood poured from the wound, soaking the floor in a gruesome tableau.

***

The faint sound of voices outside snapped me back to reality. Neighbors, drawn by the noise, were gathering. My time was running out.

I let the knife slip from my fingers, the clang as it hit the floor reverberating through the room. Walking to the door, I opened it wide, letting the stench of blood drift into the air.

Dragging a chair to the windowsill, I climbed up and began tearing down the wedding decorations I had so carefully placed that morning. One by one, the red ribbons and banners fluttered to the blood-soaked floor like mocking remnants of the life that had been celebrated just hours ago.

The last ribbon fell just as the door burst open and the police stormed in, their voices shouting commands. I turned to face them, my expression blank, as they surrounded me, their guns drawn.