Chapter 3 - The Doll in the Blue Dress
The supermarket was bright and crowded. Willow skipped beside Gabriela, holding her hand and humming.
When they reached the toy aisle, Willow spotted Celestine immediately.
“There she is!”
Only one box remained on the shelf.
Willow stretched toward it, but Vanessa stepped in front of her and lifted the doll first.
For one second, Gabriela thought Vanessa was helping.
Then Piper appeared at Vanessa’s side.
“Look what Grandma found for you,” Vanessa said.
Willow blinked. “But that is my birthday doll.”
Vanessa glanced at Gabriela, not Willow.
“Piper has had a difficult week.”
Janice shifted uncomfortably. “Mom, Piper already has plenty of dolls.”
Vanessa ignored her.
Willow reached toward the box. “Grandma, please.”
Gabriela stepped closer. “Put it back. Willow chose it.”
Vanessa hugged the box against her beige cardigan. “Piper will appreciate it more.”
The words were not loud, but several shoppers turned.
Gabriela felt heat rise into her face.
Ronald stood behind Willow with his arms crossed, watching as though Gabriela were the one creating the problem.
“It is her birthday,” Gabriela said.
Ronald shrugged. “It is just a toy.”
“To Willow, it is not just a toy.”
Vanessa smiled without warmth. “This is why she is spoiled. You teach her that wanting something means she deserves it.”
Willow looked down at her floral dress. Her eyes filled with tears.
Gabriela moved between her daughter and Vanessa.
“Give me the doll.”
Ronald’s face hardened.
“You always make everything dramatic.”
Then Gabriela asked the question she had avoided for years.
“Why are you all so determined to make my child feel unwanted?”
May you like
Ronald answered without hesitation.
“Because your daughter is a mistake.”
