Chapter 5 - Behind the GlassMartha sat behind reinforced glass in the county jail.
She looked exactly as she always had.
Hair perfectly arranged.
Back straight.
Hands folded.
No tears.
No panic.
Mark lifted the telephone receiver.
"You tried to kill your daughter."
Martha stared at him.
"Sarah was suffering."
"You caused the suffering."
"I prolonged her life."
Mark's jaw tightened.
"You poisoned her."
Martha sighed.
"You don't understand what families require."
"Families require love."
"Love makes people weak."
Mark stared at her.
For years, he had believed Martha was strict.
Difficult.
Old-fashioned.
Now he understood.
She had never seen people as people.
She saw them as pieces.
Useful pieces.
Weak pieces.
Disposable pieces.
"You will never see Lily again."
Martha's expression hardened for the first time.
"She is part of the family."
"She's my daughter."
"Blood gives me a claim."
"No."
Mark leaned toward the glass.
"Love does."
Martha stared at him.
Mark stood.
"You lost that claim the moment you put your hand over her mouth."
He walked away.
May you like
Behind him, Martha remained perfectly still.
But her eyes followed him until the door closed.
Related Stories
