“I’ve never had roast turkey before...” Chloe muttered to herself on the way back home from Ciel’s. Her steps were unusually buoyant, not at all hindered by the significant weight of groceries that Ciel had generously piled into her rucksack. Among the items was a whole turkey, its bony legs comically protruding from the bag. Back in Shadaf, Chloe had prepared many turkeys for her family, but she’d never had the chance to try one herself. “I can’t wait,” she whispered, a smile gracing her lips at the prospect of the evening meal. The mere thought of Lloyd’s face as he murmured a quiet “Delicious” in response to her cooking was enough to send her heart singing.
Upon arriving home, Chloe instinctively called out, “I’m home,” as she removed her shoes. It was a habit, a comforting ritual, even though she didn’t expect Lloyd to be there. As she mulled over the turkey recipe Ciel had shared with her, Chloe made her way to the living room.
“Welcome back, Chloe,” a voice called out from the supposedly empty room. Chloe’s heart skipped a beat, her body freezing as a shiver of fear cascaded down her spine. Her heartbeat quickened, not with the flutter of excitement she felt with Lloyd, but with the terror one might feel stumbling over a viper.
Chloe slowly turned, seeking the voice’s source. There, on the sofa where she often sat with Lloyd, was a decrepit figure—a woman shrouded in faded elegance. “Mother...” Chloe whispered, barely audible.
“I’ve missed you, darling daughter.”