- 9.
Dad was on TV, and Annabelle’s award was
sent to the firehouse.
He became a deputy chief.
Even with one leg, he was glowing.
“Deputy chief now. Good.
I’ll have more money for you two.”
Mom and I were in the room. I didn’t know
who he was talking to.
Men can be so fake.
Not just me, but Mom laughed.
Dad glared. “What’s that supposed to mean?
I’m making more money, aren’t you happy?
It’s all for the family.”
Annabelle jumped in.
“His promotion comes with a price, honey.
Be grateful.”
Mom smiled, then looked at Annabelle’s
burns.
<
“You’re right. His promotion comes with a
price.
He risked his life to save you.
Annabelle, you owe him for the rest of your
life.”
Annabelle was stunned.
Mom had always helped them, now she was
fighting back.
Cindy snapped. “Uncle Smith, is Aunt mad at
us?”
Mom rolled her eyes and left.
I kept going. “Your husband is hurt, Mom is
upset.
She’s worried about Dad, you should
understand.”
I left and went to another room.
When I got the DNA results, Mom clenched
her fist.
“David…
Rot in hell!”
