Chapter 11: Give me

Scarlett’s Point of View

Puppet. A marionette.

There was no denying it, was there? I had known all along. The way my father manipulated me with those string-like puppets, dictating what I should do, making me believe that I needed him just for my mom and I to survive.

I had known it from the beginning, but why did it feel like the harsh reality and a stinging slap when he himself said it...

"Sweetie... Scarlett. Honey. Are you with me?" A voice jolted me back to reality.

As I looked up, I saw the concerned expression on Missus Scoville's face as she observed the crumpled brochure I held. Realizing my mistake, I quickly attempted to straighten it as I gulped anxiously.

"I... I apologize. I didn't realize..." I couldn't continue my sentence as tears unexpectedly streamed down my cheeks. What was this pain I felt just because of his words?

"It's alright, dear. It's just a brochure. I'm more worried about you. You seem distant and pale. Are you alright?"

She gently touched my forehe