Silent Wheel, Fading Thorns

I was the real young master who was swapped at birth.

The night I came home, my mother pointed to a red and black spinning wheel and said, Spin red, and you can make a request. Spin black, and you obediently follow the rules. I thought I finally had a home.

But for three whole years, my younger brother always landed on red, and I always on black. All the cool toys and the sunny room went to him. Even when I was sick and bedridden, wanting a sip of water, I had to wait for his cartoons to finish.

On New Years Eve, burning with a fever of forty degrees Celsius, I coughed blood, begging my mother to take me to the hospital.

Old rules, she said, pulling out the spinning wheel again.

I desperately exerted all my strength, secretly pressing my finger against the back of the wheel. For the first time, the pointer slid towards red.

My eldest sister grabbed me. Ethan! Even if your luck is terrible, you cant cheat!

My second sister pushed me to the ground. Youd actually cheat just to make us stay with you? How disgusting.

My third sister broke my finger. You broke the rules, so you pay the price.

They threw me onto the floor and slammed the door shut. My vision blurred with tears as I stared at my twisted, deformed finger.

Im sorry.

In my next life, Ill try hard to land on red.

The piercing cold and pain suddenly vanished. I felt very light, floating upwards. Looking down, I saw a small, curled-up figure on the floor. Dressed in faded, old pajamasthe ones Liam didn't want, because the spinning wheel was black, so I was only fit to wear hand-me-downs. My right index finger was bent at an unnatural angle, and my cheeks were flushed with a sickly red.

That was me. Thirteen-year-old Ethan, no longer breathing.

I suddenly remembered three years ago, when I was first brought home. Mom took out the spinning wheel, her voice clear and calm: "Ethan, you're my biological child, of course I love you. But Liam has also been with us for ten years, and our feelings for him are just as deep. It's not right for me to favor either of you. So, for absolute fairness, we'll use this spinning wheel to decide all family matters from now on. It's all up to luck, no one gets a raw deal, okay?"

A fifty-fifty chance. It sounded so easy. I nodded vigorously, full of hope and anticipation. But Lady Luck never smiled upon me, not once.

I dont know how long passed before I heard laughter and chatter outside the door.

The lobster at that hotel was good, but its so far.

Liam loves lobster, so its worth the distance.

Moms voice was full of indulgence. Oh, and that new limited-edition pair of sneakers you wanted? I got them. Ill give them to you tomorrow.

What about my final exam reward? Liams voice was bright.

You wont miss out. An amusement park annual pass plus a rare Lego set, is that enough?

Enough! Moms the best!

Floating above, my chest ached with an empty soreness. Lobster, limited-edition sneakers, amusement park, Lego. Everything Liam wanted, he always got with ease.

And me?

Two years ago, my head was splitting, and I wanted to ask for time off to go to the hospital.

It landed on black.

My eldest sister sneered, Such a small ailment and youre being dramatic? Liam scraped his knee until it bled last time, but he still insisted on going to the city for the math competition and won an award.

Later.

My backpack broke, and I wanted twenty dollars for a new one.

It landed on black again.

My second sister scoffed, A forty-dollar backpack only lasts two years? Take a look at Liams Hermes backpack; its been three years and its still like new! Youre just cheap, you dont know how to take care of things!

But the more times I landed on black, the more I lost. The cool toys, the sunny roomthey all went to Liam. Even when I was sick and bedridden, wanting a sip of water, I had to wait for his cartoons to finish.

After countless frustrations, I stopped hoping. I even started to avoid, to fear seeing that spinning wheel.

Until Grandma Willow, who raised me in the countryside, passed away.

I finally mustered the courage: Mom, can I go back

Before I finished speaking, my third sister excitedly waved her phone.

Mom! Look, Liam won first prize in the math competition, its such wonderful news!

Moms expression of impatience instantly gave way to pure joy.

My sweet boy makes Mom so proud! What reward do you want? Mom will grant anything!

Dad also smiled: We should definitely celebrate.

I stood rooted to the spot, my throat tight: But Grandma Willow, she

Enough! Moms face hardened. On such a good day, why bring up dead people? Its bad luck!

My second sister immediately brought the spinning wheel.

No more nonsense. Spin red, and you can go.

I shut my mouth.

That night, I kowtowed three times towards the countryside, bidding farewell to Grandma, crying and saying I was sorry. I stood before the spinning wheel until midnight.

Eventually, I didnt spin it. Because I knew the outcome would surely be black.

Bang

Just then, the door was pushed open.

Mother and son walked in, wearing matching cashmere coats. Liam had a dazzling diamond watch on his wristthe welcome gift my grandmother had given me when I first came home. Because the spinning wheel landed on black, Mom said, You dont deserve to wear such an expensive watch, so it ended up on Liams wrist.

Liam squatted, holding up the hem of his coat, his voice innocent: The floor is so dirty Why is big brother still lying here?

My eldest sister frowned: Country folks are just like that. When theyre tired, they just lie anywhere, regardless of whether its clean or not.

My third sister drawled in agreement: Thats why, even if Liam isnt our biological brother, he has an innate nobility. And some people, their genes cant change that inherent peasant air about them.

Liam curiously touched my face, but then abruptly pulled his hand back. He gasped, Mom! Big brothers face its colder than ice!

Moms movements, as she was taking off her coat, paused.

Oddly.

I vaguely felt a flicker of anticipation.

I wondered, what would their reactions be when they discovered I was dead?

Mom walked over, first noticing my twisted finger. Her expression momentarily faltered in shock: His finger how did it get so bent?

My third sister leaned against the entryway, speaking with an air of nonchalance: I broke it.

Mom glared at her, with a hint of anger: You really dont know your own strength, hes still your brother, after all!

I floated in the air, staring at her blankly. My heart felt warm.

I knew it, Mom still loved me. But it didn't matter anymore; I couldn't feel the pain.

My third sister lifted her chin: Mom, you personally set the rules: cheating must be punished. Liam remembers it and has always obeyed it strictly. Is it really fair to him if you indulge Ethan?

Moms lips twitched, and she first turned to look at Liam. The little boy bit his lip, his eyes slightly red, like a startled rabbit. In that instant, her voice softened: Alright, next time, remember not to do it in front of Liam. Hes timid.

That flicker of emotion, sparked by me, was like a stone tossed into a deep pond, stirring only a negligible ripple.

Mom reached out, not to check my breathing. Instead, she poked my shoulder in disgust: Ethan, get up.

Playing dead, are you? she kicked my shoulder with the tip of her high heel. Just to skip dinner, just to make us feel guilty, you come up with endless tricks! Youll stoop to any low.

My second sister picked up a glass from the coffee table, her wrist flicking.

Scalding water splashed across half my face.

Are you awake now? Can you stop using such cheap tricks to get attention?

Water droplets rolled down my temples and into my collar, yet my eyelashes didnt even flutter. Liam retreated half a step, timidly saying, Mom. I feel like big brother really isnt quite right.

To soothe Liams hurt feelings.

My second sister patted his back and placed an exquisite gift box in his arms. Sweet Liam, I know you have a kind heart, but some people are just born to play the victim and arent worth pity.

Mom ruffled Liams hair: The more attention you give him, the worse hell get next time. Playing dead today, hell try to hang himself tomorrow. He just wants to use these methods to force us to apologize.

My third sister scoffed in agreement: This afternoon, he was kicking up a fuss about going to the hospital, and now hes just lying here like a corpse. Besides causing trouble for the family and ruining the atmosphere, what else is he good for?

Perhaps wanting to end this charade quickly.

Mom squatted down, pinching my philtrum hard. Until my lips turned white, I remained motionless. She completely lost patience.

Raising her hand, she slapped me across the face.

If I had known you were so stubborn and vicious, I wouldnt have been soft-hearted enough to bring you back!

Just then, Liams clear voice drifted from upstairs: Mom, look, do my new clothes Big Sister bought me look good?

The voice was like magic. Moms anger instantly melted like snow.

Sweetheart, Moms coming right now.

After a few steps, she suddenly turned back and dragged me up from the floor.

Ethan, listen to me clearly! In this family, Liam came first, then you. Blood ties mean nothing! Dont think that just because youre my biological son, you can do whatever you want.

My head lolled back powerlessly, eyes half-open, pupils unfocused and lifeless, staring directly at the ceiling. She stared into my vacant pupils, as if trying to discern submission and fear. But I was dead; I couldnt offer any reaction.

This seemed to enrage Mom. She grabbed my collar, warning me fiercely: Know your place! If you dare to harbor any crooked thoughts and compete with Liam again then get back to the countryside where you belong!

She let go. My head, losing its support, hit the ground with a dull thud. She didnt look back, her high heels clacking as she ascended the stairs.

My second sister kicked me: Its New Years, who are you putting on this dead act for? Thats enough.

My third sister smiled, pulled out her phone, and pressed the shutter button.

A souvenir. Next time you pretend, Ill let everyone see what kind of character the real young master of the Park family is in private.

Finally, it was my eldest sister. She stood there, watching me for a long time, so long that I thought she would discover something.

Ultimately, she sighed. She reluctantly dragged me back to my room and threw me onto the bed. As she left, she stood at the doorway and spoke, as if bestowing a favor: Ethan, if your finger truly hurts too much to bear, come find me, but dont alarm Liam. I can take you to the hospital without going through the spinning wheel. However, the medical expenses will be deducted from your living allowance next month. You caused the trouble, so you bear the consequences. Understand?

I answered again and again: Big sister, thank you, but Im already dead, I dont need to go to the hospital

But she would never hear me.

The door closed. Outside, fireworks burst, firecrackers cracked, full of festive cheer. Next door, a family celebrated joyfully, laughing heartily, full of life.

Only I, floating alone in the air, was dead and nobody knew.

Im sorry.

I whispered in my heart to the thirteen-year-old me who, three years ago, first walked into this house, looked up at the crystal chandelier, and thought he had finally found a home.

See?

Liam is the best, most obedient son.

And I, even though I'm biological.

In their hearts, I'm nothing more than a stranger with the title of "real young master."

The next morning, Dad walked through the door, travel-worn. He spent years abroad expanding overseas business, only returning for holidays. In his hands, he carried two gift boxes, one large and one small.

Daddy! Liam pounced into his arms like a joyful butterfly. What good things did you bring me this time?

Dad chuckled, ruffling his hair, his gaze sweeping the living room. Wheres Ethan? Why didnt he come out to get my slippers this time?

Mom, brewing tea, paused her movements. He just had to argue with Liam on New Years, and after I scolded him a bit yesterday, hes probably sulking in his room now.

Dad frowned, but didnt ask further. He pointed to the two gift boxes. Brought the kids New Years gifts. The big one is Legos new limited-edition sports car set; it took a lot of connections to get. The small one is just a souvenir keychain I picked up at the airport.

A Lego sports car worth thousands, and a keychain worth maybe five dollars. The disparity was comically vast.

Daddy! This ones for me, right? Liam pounced on the ornate large gift box.

Dad gently admonished, Liam, dont be naughty. You know, our family has always valued fairness.

Immediately, he solemnly took out the spinning wheel and placed it on the coffee table. Same old rules. Spin red, take the big one. Spin black, take the small one.

Mom raised her voice, yelling towards my room, Doesnt someone always whine about us being unfair? If you dont come spin the wheel, then Ill let your brother spin it, and dont you dare come crying later, saying the whole family ganged up on you!

Ill spin! Ill spin! The result is always the same anyway. Liam gleefully ran over.

He flicked his finger, and the pointer began to spin. Dad watched with a smile, Mom with doting eyes, and my sisters with an air of "of course." Only I, floating in the air, was so anxious that big tears streamed down my faceI was indeed just as Mom said, both naughty and stubborn, even in death, still fantasizing about landing on red just once.

I lay on the edge of the spinning wheel, unwilling, trying to flick it with my hand, blowing on it with all my might. Perhaps heaven took pity on me, for the pointer slowed down, trembling as it approached black

Then, it stopped.

The living room was silent for a moment.

I froze, then erupted in wild joy, jumping up and down excitedlyOh my god! This time, red was finally mine! But I was already dead, and it would be a shame for such an expensive sports car toy to be buried with me. It should still go to Liam. I thought to myself.

It seems I really was just unlucky; had I misunderstood them? Perhaps they had never been biased after all.

Mom suddenly picked up Liams wrist to examine it, then gasped in surprise: No wonder! Sweet Liam, wheres the magnet on your bracelet? Its gone!

I felt as if struck by a bolt of lightning.

A magnet?

So, Liams bracelet had a magnet hidden inside?

Three whole years, over a thousand times landing on black.

I had knelt countless times, praying, secretly practicing in the dead of night, believing I was destined for a wretched life, that the gods disdained me, that I was unworthy of even a shred of favoritism

I dont know. Liam pouted, looking aggrieved. Dad, big brother isnt here anyway, so can we just not count this one?

Dads expression turned somewhat troubled.

Just then, my sisters exchanged glances. My eldest sister immediately understood, walked over, and with a gentle flick, the pointer landed steadily in the red zone.

See? Its clearly red. My eldest sisters tone was flat.

Oh yeah! Liam cheered, Thanks, Dad! Thanks, Big Sister!

Dad smiled and nodded: It seems the gods still favor our Liam.

Mom also smiled: Yes, Liam has always been lucky.

The family was harmonious and joyful, as if that small accident had never happened. A tremendous sense of desolation and absurdity swallowed me whole.

So, in this family.

Not only were the rules flexible, but even luck could be manual.

After dinner, my third sister lost a game, and her punishment was to take food to my room. She stood up, her face filled with disgust, "I'm not going! It's bad luck."

Liam pouted and whined, "A bet's a bet, big sister."

My second sister immediately frowned, "Go quickly and come back. Would you really spoil Liam's fun for that annoying ghost?"

My third sister irritably got up, "Tsk... So damn annoying."

Two minutes later, she dumped a bowl of leftovers by my bedside. "Hey, stop faking it! That's enough."

I lay motionless on the bed. She kicked the bed frame. "Ethan, I'm talking to you, are you deaf?"

"Fine, you've got guts. Don't eat, then. Starve to death." She angrily dumped the food into the trash can.

Sister! Im not pretending! Im really dead! Look at my face, look at my hand!

I floated in front of my third sister, waving my hands frantically, trying to get her attention. My third sister seemed to sense something, pausing her steps. Her gaze fell on my pale face and purplish-blue lips.

In that instant, my heart leaped into my throat. Was she about to find out? Was she finally going to see me?