Chapter 2 - The Rattling of Crystal
Chloe didn't release the wrist. She twisted it downward half an inch, using the lever to step forward.
Her palm traveled three inches before making contact.
CRACK.
The sound was twice as loud as the first.
Evelyn’s head lurched back, her hair spray failing as grey locks spilled out of her neat bun.
Her maroon dress swept against the corner of the dining table as she stumbled backward three full steps.
CLINCK-CLACK.
The heavy porcelain turkey platter rattled violently against the mahogany wood.
Two crystal water goblets tipped over, dark red wine spreading out across the white linen tablecloth like an opening stain.
At the far end of the table, seven-year-old Lily and eight-year-old Maya sat frozen.
Lily’s silver fork was stuck halfway into a piece of sweet potato, her lower lip quivering.
Maya’s small hand reached beneath the cloth, her fingers tightening around her sister’s wrist until her knuckles turned white.
Beside them, Aunt Clara dropped her linen napkin straight into her gravy boat, her mouth hanging open in a silent, wide oval.
Evelyn’s hand flew to her own cheek.
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A matching red scratch, identical to Chloe’s, began to swell near her cheekbone where Chloe’s plain wedding band had cut the skin.
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