Chapter 2

The sun hadn’t even risen when I heard the clatter of pans in the kitchen. I stepped out of the bedroom and saw Charlotte already cooking, dressed in one of my silk robes. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled like she’d lived here for years. “Morning, Anna. I hope you don’t mind. I thought I’d make breakfast for everyone.” She flipped a pancake onto a plate with the confidence of someone staking her claim. Luna tugged at my shirt from behind. “Mom, I’m hungry.” I guided her to the table. “We’ll eat in a moment, dear.” Will came in, yawning. “Smells amazing,” he said. Charlotte set a plate in front of him, then gave one to Evelyn, who took it with both hands and a sweet “Thank you, Mommy!” Luna sat quietly, watching them. I served her a pancake, but her eyes were on the syrup Evelyn got first. “Oh, Anna,” Charlotte said suddenly, “I used the last of the syrup. Hope that’s alright.” I nodded stiffly. After breakfast, I heard the girls running again. “Evelyn, wait for me!” Luna's voice echoed down the hallway. “Let’s pretend we’re queens,” Evelyn said, plopping into the grass. “I’ll get the capes!” Luna giggled, running to the laundry line to pull down two old blankets. I glanced out the kitchen window. There they were, racing into the garden like the world was theirs. They had spent the past few days playing together every day—tea parties, hide and seek, building forts out of pillows. At seven, Luna had never had a friend live under the same roof, and she clung to the companionship like a gift. “They get along so well, don’t they?” Charlotte said beside me, sipping her coffee like she belonged here. Will walked in from the garage, wiping his hands. “It’s good Evelyn has someone to play with.” I stayed quiet. I didn’t like how comfortable she was. The doorbell rang. I dried my hands and opened it. A deliveryman handed over a small package. “Something for you,” I told Will, setting it on the table. He didn’t even look at me. Outside, the girls were still at it. “Let’s play rescue!” Evelyn yelled. “I’ll save you!” Luna laughed. Then came the scream. “Ahh! Help! I fell!” I bolted out the door. Will was right behind me. “What happened?” he barked. Luna looked up, panicked. “She fell! We were just playing!” “She pushed me!” Evelyn cried, clutching her knee. “No, I didn’t!” Luna’s voice cracked. “She told me to pretend—” Will’s face darkened. “Don’t lie to me. What are you learning at this age? You think this is funny? Lying and then playing victim?” “I didn’t hurt her!” Luna insisted, eyes wide. “She pretended—she said—” “That’s enough!” Will shouted. “At this age, and you’re already learning to lie? I’m disappointed in you, Luna.” “She’s not lying!” I stepped in. “Will, listen to her—” “You’re defending her again? She never admits her mistakes. That’s on you.” Luna clung to me. “Mom, I didn’t push her!” Will shoved her back. “Get away from Evelyn!” She fell hard. “Will!” I rushed to Luna and pulled her up. “Are you insane?! She’s a child!” “She’s turning into a brat because you won’t discipline her.” Charlotte appeared, holding Evelyn’s shoes. “What’s going on?” “Luna pushed Evelyn,” Will said. “I didn’t!” Charlotte crouched next to Evelyn. “It’s okay, sweetie. Accidents happen.” She turned to me with a soft smile. “But you know... kids reflect their environment.” I stared at her. “Excuse me?” Will crossed his arms. “She’s right. Maybe I’ve been too soft.” I narrowed my eyes. “So now she gives you parenting advice?” “I didn’t mean to interfere,” Charlotte said sweetly. “Just concerned.” Will didn’t answer. He scooped Evelyn into his arms and walked away like I wasn’t even there. Luna sniffled in my arms. “It’s okay,” I whispered, even though it wasn’t. Later that afternoon, the house was too quiet. I carried a small plate into Luna’s room. “Eat something,” I said, placing it beside her. “You didn’t have lunch.” She clutched the pillow tighter. “I didn’t push her.” “I know, sweetheart. I believe you.” “And why not Daddy?” A knock. Before I could answer, Charlotte popped her head in. “Is she okay?” she asked, all sugar. I didn’t bother responding. She stepped in anyway, balancing a tray of cookies like it was some kind of peace offering. “I brought snacks. Evelyn’s resting now. She’s such a sensitive child.” I muttered without looking at her, “She should go into acting.” Charlotte gave a light laugh. “We all handle things differently. Will just wants peace in the house.” I stood up. “Then maybe he shouldn’t accuse his daughter of lying.” Charlotte didn’t even flinch. “He’s under pressure. You know how he is. He’s always valued fairness.” “Fairness?” I crossed my arms. “Is that what you call this?” “I’m just trying to help, Anna.” I walked to the door and opened it wide. “Help somewhere else.” She blinked but walked out. I shut the door behind her. Dinner was worse. No one really spoke. Luna pushed her peas around her plate. Evelyn sat beside Will, whispering now and then, acting innocent. He chuckled once. I watched Charlotte slide into the seat next to him like she belonged there. Her hand brushed his. He didn’t pull away. I clenched my fork. After dinner, Will went straight to the study. I followed him. I closed the door. “We need to talk.” He didn’t look up. “About what?” “Luna.” He sighed. “You humiliated her,” I said. “In front of everyone.” “She lied.” “She didn’t. Evelyn fell on purpose. She told me everything.” Will looked up, finally. “So now you’re calling Evelyn a liar?” “I’m saying you don’t know her. Not the way you think you do.” He stood, jaw tightening. “Don’t start, Anna.” “What happened to you?” My voice cracked a little. “You used to love Luna. You listened to her. You saw her.” He didn’t reply. Just walked past me and left the room.