I'm in Survival Hell, You're in Party Heaven
A thick autopsy report was dropped onto the metal table in front of them with a loud slap, kicking up a thin cloud of dust.
"The deceased's stomach contained no trace of food." The detective across the table pointed along the lines of text, his voice controlled but with an undercurrent of anger.
"Only rust water and the roots of an ornamental houseplant. Those roots are toxic. They cause severe cramping in the intestines and stomach.
"In other words, she was starving and in pain, and that's what killed her."
Mom stared at the anatomical diagram. The stomach was shrunken into a tight knot, filled with dark fluid. She suddenly clapped her hand over her mouth and began to retch, her whole body