The refrigerator was empty. My wife’s hands were trembling. And upstairs, my daughter was livestreaming her new designer bag, bought with the money meant for food. “Dad won’t do anything,” Mia whispered to her boyfriend.

me permission.”

Then Elena’s voice drifted softly from the staircase.

“No, I didn’t.”

Everyone turned.

She stood there in a cream-colored robe, thin but steady.

Mia panicked instantly. “Mom, tell them the truth.”

Elena walked downstairs slowly.

“I said you could buy groceries,” she answered quietly.

“You’re confused.”

“No,” Elena replied. “I was hungry.”

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