Sophie’s gasps grew thinner.
Rebecca pressed her hand against her daughter’s chest, as if she could force air into her lungs.
“Baby, stay with me. Keep looking at me.”
Sophie’s eyes fluttered.
“Mommy… it hurts.”
Patricia watched them both with the same cold stillness.
No panic.
No guilt.
No rush.
That was the moment Rebecca realized something was wrong.
Patricia wasn’t just refusing to help.
She was waiting.
Waiting for Rebecca to beg.
Waiting for the officers to hesitate.
Waiting for Sophie to weaken.
Waiting for someone to make a mistake.
Rebecca’s voice cracked.
“Where is it? Where did you put it?”
Patricia’s lips curled slightly.
“Somewhere she’ll remember not to disrespect me again.”
One officer finally stepped forward.
“Ma’am, tell us where the inhaler is.”
Patricia didn’t even look at him.
“I don’t have to tell you anything.”
The officer’s jaw tightened.
The other glanced at the door, then back at Sophie.
Rebecca looked up at them.
“Please.”
Sophie let out a faint, terrifying wheeze.
Rebecca screamed.
