The Breaking Point

Avery

**Avery**

The heavy iron pot sat on the burner, the clear broth just beginning to bubble. I scraped the sliced carrots off the wooden cutting board and into the water, keeping my movements mechanical and precise. Reaching out, I grabbed the thick, expensive cuts of raw venison my parents expected for their meal.

I dropped the meat into the hot broth. The stew simmered, and the heat in the