Chapter 3 - The Empty Table
Taryn had spent weeks preparing for Lula's birthday.
She had ordered decorations.
She had arranged the food.
She had paid the caterer.
She had reserved the entertainment.
She had even bought several presents that she knew Lula had been dreaming about.
Yet when Taryn looked at the empty gift table, she realized something.
Those presents were gone.
Not missing.
Moved.
She had seen them that morning.
They had been stacked neatly beside the kitchen door.
Now there wasn't a single box.
Taryn stood slowly.
“Mom.”
Doreen didn't answer.
“Where are Lula's presents?”
Doreen continued stroking the poodle.
“Don't start.”
“Where are they?”
Doreen finally looked at her.
“They were unnecessary.”
Taryn stared.
“Unnecessary?”
“Lula has enough things.”
Taryn glanced at the enormous pile of gifts beside the dog.
“And those?”
Doreen smiled.
“Those are different.”
Lula stood behind her mother.
“Why?”
Doreen's eyes moved toward her.
“Because some people know how to appreciate nice things.”
Taryn felt Lula's fingers tighten around hers.
She turned to her daughter.
“Come with me.”
Lula followed.
But before they could leave the yard, Doreen spoke again.
“Taryn.”
Taryn stopped.
“If you walk away from this party, you will regret it.”
Taryn slowly turned around.
She had heard threats from her mother before.
May you like
This one sounded different.
It sounded practiced.
