Chapter 5 - The Justification
Martha pushed her wooden chair back.
The legs shrieked aggressively against the floor, a sharp, violent sound that cut through the kitchen.
She stood up to her full height, grabbing the thick wad of cash in her fist.
She shook it aggressively toward Elara’s huddled, trembling form.
"We needed the money!" Martha’s voice was suddenly loud, defensive, bouncing off the peeling yellow wallpaper.
She took two heavy, stomping steps toward the center of the kitchen.
"The electric bill is due. The rent is a week late."
Elara didn't look up, only rocked slightly back and forth against the appliance.
"It is just milk," Martha snapped, waving the bills again.
The paper whipped through the air with a sharp, snapping sound.
"You make it every day for free. It’s a bodily function."
She planted her free hand on her hip, the floral fabric bunching up around her waist.
"It was just sitting in there, taking up space."
She glared down at the top of Elara's messy blonde bun.
"Stop being dramatic."
May you like
The words hung in the stale air, acidic and suffocating.
Martha turned her back, walking toward the counter to find an envelope.
