Chapter 4 - The Family Favorite
The favored cousin approached Doreen with the poodle in her arms.
She looked uncomfortable for exactly two seconds.
Then she smiled.
“Is everything okay?”
Doreen immediately softened.
“Of course, sweetheart.”
Taryn watched the transformation.
Her mother could be cruel to Lula and cold toward Taryn, but around the favored cousin she became almost affectionate.
The cousin looked at the empty table.
“Oh. Where are Lula's gifts?”
Doreen shrugged.
“She doesn't need them.”
The cousin smiled awkwardly.
Taryn couldn't tell whether the smile was guilt or satisfaction.
She looked at the poodle.
The animal wore a little jeweled collar.
Taryn recognized it.
It had cost more than the birthday gift Lula had asked for.
That realization hurt more than she expected.
Not because of the money.
Because of the message.
Lula had been taught, again and again, that there was always someone more deserving than her.
Taryn knelt beside her.
“Do you want to go home?”
Lula nodded.
But then she looked toward the cake.
“Can I still make a wish?”
Taryn's chest tightened.
“Yes.”
May you like
She took her daughter's hand.
“You can make any wish you want.”
