Chapter 18 - The Favored Cousin
The favored cousin eventually came to Taryn's house.
She stood on the porch holding a small envelope.
“I wanted to give you this.”
Taryn opened it.
Inside was a photograph from Lula's birthday.
Lula was smiling before everything happened.
The cousin looked embarrassed.
“I took it earlier.”
Taryn looked at the picture.
“She looked so happy.”
“She was.”
The cousin hesitated.
“I was jealous.”
Taryn looked up.
“Of Lula?”
“No.”
She sighed.
“Of you.”
Taryn didn't know what to say.
The cousin explained that Doreen had spent years rewarding people who obeyed her.
The gifts.
The praise.
The invitations.
The attention.
Everyone learned the same lesson.
Stay favored.
Stay quiet.
Don't question her.
Taryn folded the photograph.
“You could have protected Lula.”
“I know.”
The cousin started crying.
May you like
Taryn didn't hug her.
But she didn't close the door either.
