Golden Cage Mommy Mutiny (Elyse) novel Chapter 54

When I opened my eyes again, I was floating in midir.

I thought I’d been saved, and my first instinct was to run outside and look for Mom and Dad.

But to keep from making them mad at me again, I stayed home like a good girl and curled up among

my Barbie dolls until I fell asleep.

I didn’t know how much time had passed before the front door finally opened again.

My parents came back carrying my little brother, and Dad was carrying a huge electric ride–on car.

“Good thing Jamie’s okay. Otherwise Penny really would’ve been in serious trouble.”

“Our little boy really got the short end of the stick this time. This car will make it up to him.”

Mom raised her voice on purpose, shouting toward the washing machine. “From now on, whoever gets hurt or treated unfairly gets a present, and the one doing the bullying gets locked in

time–out!”

My parents traded a look and tilted their heads, listening for any noise from inside the washer. After a long moment without a sound, they both frowned and let out a cold little laugh.

“See? Still throwing a fit. If she wants to stay in there, let her. The washer’s not even on–she’s not going to die in it.”

I drifted back and forth right in front of them. Mom Dad, I’m already out.

Can’t you see me?

I’m not sulking. Mom, Dad, could you please stop talking about me like that?

I kept talking to them, but they acted like I wasn’t even there. Their eyes never met mine, not even

for a second.

When I tried to touch them, my hand just slipped straight through their bodies.

Only then did it hit me: I must have died in the washing machine,

I ran over and took a look inside the washer.

Inside the washer, a tiny body was twisted up in a strange, cramped position.

Was that me?

I turned my head and watched my parents cooing over my little brother.

Never mind.

Chapter 2

48.21%

This was the punishment Mom and Dad had given me.

Maybe that was okay. At least now I wouldn’t have to wash my baby brother’s dirty diapers

anymore.

Ever since my brother was born, Mom and Dad really hadn’t spent much time alone with me.

Maybe this way I’d get to stay by my parents‘ side all the time.

Pushing down the tight, aching feeling in my chest, I forced a smile at them.

That night for dinner, Dad made my favorite–homemade barbecue ribs.

After they finished feeding my little brother, they sat down at the table with stiff faces and glanced

toward the washing machine.

Dad spoke first. “Penny Graham, come eat.”

48.21