- 5.
“Wait,” Susan grabbed Lily’s hand, trying to
get the scrapbook. “Lily, give me back the
scrapbook.”
Lily refused. “Mom, why do you have to make
yourself miserable? I want to burn it so you
don’t feel bad. I don’t want you and Dad to
suffer.”
Susan pulled the scrapbook away, but she
tripped and fell on the floor.
Richard helped Susan up. He was furious. He
slapped Lily and yelled, “Enough.”
Lily covered her face, tears welling up in her
eyes. “Dad, aren’t I your favorite?”
Richard’s face was red. “Lily, can’t you be
mature for once? Your mother and I have
enough problems without you making things
worse.”
“I’m not mature?” Lily laughed, crying. “I’m
sorry. I guess there’s no room for me in this
family anymore.”
She wiped her tears, turned, and said, “Okay,
I won’t make things worse. I’m leaving.”
Susan watched Lily walk away, and said,
“Richard, did you hit her too hard? We’ve
never laid a hand on her. She might do
something stupid.”
Richard looked at his hand and sighed. “I was
angry. I guess I did hit her hard.”
He thought for a moment. “Call your son. He
can cheer Lily up.”
“Okay, I’ll call Mark.” Susan grabbed her
phone and called Mark.
