When my son sl:apped me for interrupting his video game, I just lowered my head and walked to the kitchen. I spent three hours baking his favorite triple-chocolate cake

Part 2

I baked his favorite triple-chocolate cake because monsters are easiest to catch when they think they are being fed.

The kitchen filled with the smell of cocoa, butter, and melting ganache. I brewed artisan coffee from beans I saved for Christmas morning. I moved gently, almost lovingly, while my cheek darkened into a purple crescent.

Upstairs,continue reading …