My father jolted, assuming hallucinations.
"Husband," Mother echoed.
He turned cautiously, trembling, to find us all standing unharmed.
Shock sent him collapsing, "You... you're ghosts?"
"We're alive," I said casually, "We were on a sea trip, just got back."
"You weren't home?" His relief turned to fury, barely contained, eager to kill us instantly
"No," I replied, naively asking, "What happened to our home?"
His eyes darted nervously, struggling to compose himself.
"I heard about wild cats, installed hidden cameras. Let me check." As I reached for my phone, panic seized him. He leaped, snatching and smashing it to the ground.
All eyes were on him as he laughed nervously, "As long as you're safe, nothing else matters. Our family is whole."
"We are, but without you this time," Mother clarified.
"What are you saying, dear?" he panicked, unable to hide.
"You know what you did," she stated coldly. "I handed over the evidence to the police. Justice awaits you."
He raved in denial, "What? What are you talking about?"
"The video of you setting the fire last night is with the police," she revealed, then glanced aside, "Look, they're here."
He bolted, but stood no chance against the police, quickly subdued and cuffed.
As he was led away, he yelled, "How did you find out? My plan was flawless!"
He couldn't grasp his mistake, nor accept that his 'endurance' led to his downfall.
Sentenced to ten years due to no casualties, I visited him in prison. He was elated, "Lily, you still love Dad, don't you? When I'm free, we'll go to the amusement park, eat treats..."
"I don't love you," I cut him off, disgusted.
"Why are you here then? You miss me..."
"Come to laugh at you," I grinned cruelly, a smile too sinister for a fifteen-year-old. Horror filled his eyes, "Who are you? You're not Lily!"
"How could I not be? Just not who you imagined," I grinned wider, "Dad, curious how your meticulous plans failed?"
"Why?" he demanded eagerly.
"Because," I stared at him, enunciating each word, "God punishes every villain!"
Otherwise, how could I have been reborn?
"You!" He lashed out, ready to strike until he was restrained by the prison guard.
Pain softened him into pleading. Watching him squirm was satisfying.
"Dad, despite not being blood-related, let me gift you something," I offered. His eyes flickered with anticipation.
"Emma isn't your biological daughter," I revealed slowly.
Mother had DNA tested Emma upon her return, finding no relation. However, photos of my father and his childhood sweetheart's affair were captured by our private investigator.
"Imagine, raising another man's child all these years... Mother offered to have one for you, yet you refused. Pitiful and pathetic," I taunted.
"Impossible!" he denied, his defenses crumbling. "Find out yourself when you're released," I challenged. It would be quite a spectacle.
But that was beyond my concern. His vengeance on his lover and Emma would be his own affair. At worst, I'd witness another joke unfold.
Leaving the prison, I basked in the clear sky, laughing in liberation. Ahead lay the family warmth I missed in my past life. I genuinely wished the world's beauty to grace us all.
