Chapter 1: Frozen in the Pouring Rain, She Watched Her Family Eat Dinner Inside 💔
Outside, the icy rain pelted down like needles, soaking through Maya's thin shirt until her skin turned pale and numb.
She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, shivering uncontrollably as water dripped down her face, mingling with her silent tears.
Through the large, steamed-up glass door, the world inside looked warm, cozy, and entirely out of reach.
Her stepmother, Sarah, sat comfortably on the plush sofa, calmly enjoying a hot meal alongside Maya's two younger half-siblings.
The aroma of roasted chicken and warm spices seemed to seep through the glass, mocking Maya's empty, aching stomach.
Suddenly, Sarah set her fork down and stepped toward the patio door.
Maya's heart leaped with a brief spark of hope — perhaps the punishment was finally over.
Instead, Sarah unlocked the door and slid it open just a few inches, tossing a cold, dry crust of bread onto the wet, rain-soaked concrete.
"There's your dinner," Sarah said, her voice completely devoid of warmth.
"Eat it out there."
"Please, Sarah...
I'm freezing!" Maya begged, her voice cracking as she pressed her shivering hands together.
Sarah stared down at her with cold, calculating eyes.
"Then maybe you'll learn to stay out of my way," she replied softly, slamming the sliding door shut and locking it tight 😨.
Desperate, Maya pressed her palm against the cold glass, leaving a wet handprint as she watched her family.
From the dinner table, her little sister looked up, her eyes wide with worry.
"Mom, she's shaking!" the little girl cried out, dropping her fork.
Sarah didn't even turn around.
"Sit down," she commanded sharply.
"She is not your problem." With a swift, harsh motion, Sarah reached up and pulled the heavy blackout curtains completely closed, blotting out the light and cutting Maya off from the world inside 😤.
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What will Sarah do when Maya's father finally finds out the truth?
Comment **"NEXT"** if you want Part 2 — it's in the comments below 👇
