Ever since I was young my parents came home late, never acknowledging me. My name Astella is different as if I was named by the gods. I have no siblings or no memories of them. When I talk nobody listens. I always feel this presence near me as if it's waiting ever so patiently to grab me and take me away. The presence never leaves my side. I apparently had a twin who died that had the same name as me. I don't know why my parents would want two Astellas.

I think it would have been nice having a twin who would understand me. I always leave my dishes on the table after mom cooks, and I always eat every bite. My mom always looks at the dishes funny, as if a ghost put them there. This is the only time that my mother talks to me. In the sweetest voice she says "Was it good?" or "I hope you liked it." That's also the only time a day she smiles truthfully. I turned 13 today and my parents got me a big cake! I blow out the candles and they sob like every year. I think I realize why they're like this. I never had a twin at all. I was the one they visited every year.