A Death Too Cruel, a Mother Unbound
When the power meter in the house trips, Mom's foster daughter, Juniper Hawthorne, is trapped in the dark for five minutes.
Even though I have claustrophobia, Mom locks me in an empty, pitch-black room.
"You knew Juniper was terrified of the dark, yet you intentionally shut off the power just to frighten her! I'll teach you how to behave today!"
I cry and beg her not to, but all I receive in return is a harsh slap.
"Claustrophobia? That's just what happens when a kid grows up too spoiled."
Late that night, I sense someone breaking into the house. The first thing I do is to call Mom, a renowned criminal psychologist, for help, only to be yelled at.
"You're still really getting into this