After I Died, They Finally Loved Me

After her brother Noah drowned three years ago, Ann was blamed by her mother Laura for his death. Laura cut Ann's hair, banned dresses, and forced her to replace Noah. When Laura became pregnant again, Ann died in despair, her soul lingering at home. Her parents thought she was faking illness for attention. A teacher's visit and neighbors' reports of a smell revealed Ann had been dead for days. Police found her diary, exposing years of neglect and abuse. They learned Ann was bullied at school for pretending to be a boy and became depressed, but stayed silent to protect her pregnant mother. Witnesses proved Noah's death was an accident. Her parents realized their mistake and wept in regret.