Chapter 2: The Needle Under the Warmth
Part 2 ⬇️
The first hour almost fooled me.
Then dinner was served.
We were all seated around the long table — turkey in the center, candles lit, Christmas music playing low — when Carol looked across at Lily in her highchair and said it.
"She's still so small.
Are you sure you're feeding her enough?"
The table went quiet.
"She's healthy, Mom," I said.
"Her doctor says she's perfect."
Carol picked up her fork.
"I'm just saying.
She looks fragile.
Like something isn't quite right."
I felt Evan's hand find my knee under the table.
"There is nothing wrong with my daughter," I said.
Carol smiled the way she always smiled when she wanted to sound reasonable while saying something cruel.
"I'm not saying there's something *wrong*.
I'm just saying she doesn't look like a normal, healthy baby.
People notice these things.
I've had three children.
I know what healthy looks like."
My aunt shifted in her seat.
Mark stared at his plate.
Jenna's jaw tightened.
And then — quietly, clearly, in front of everyone — Carol turned to my grandmother and said, "I just worry she'll always be behind."
I set down my fork.
I looked at Lily.
She was chewing on the ear of her reindeer toy, completely unaware.
I stood up.
---
What Carol said next — and what I did after — will shock you.
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