I returned early from my work trip and found five-year-old Thora trembling in a maid uniform, holding her cheek after Heloise slapped her.
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Chapter 26 / 27
Chapter 26 - THORA’S DAUGHTER
Thora had a daughter at thirty-four.
Beatrice.
At five, Beatrice loved carrying trays.
Of course.
Toy tea set.
Plastic cups.
Stuffed animals seated around a miniature table.
One afternoon she marched toward me wearing an apron.
“Grandpa, tea.”
I froze.
Thora noticed immediately.
“Dad.”
“I’m fine.”
Beatrice handed me an empty cup.
“Drink.”
I obeyed.
Then she said:
“You serve next.”
I took the tray.
Thora started laughing.
“What?”
“Justice.”
Beatrice climbed into my chair.
“Servant Grandpa.”
The word hit me.
Then I looked at Thora.
She was still smiling.
No fear.
No flinch.
The word belonged to a game now.
I served imaginary tea.
Then sat beside them.
May you like
No one stayed standing because they were lesser.
The past had finally lost ownership over the costume.
