The Silent Trap

As Hazel listed all the ways Clara used to dote on her, what should have been a heartwarming memory only made Clara's expression grow colder. Any lingering warmth she felt for the child vanished.

'So she did know,' Clara thought. 'She just took it all for granted.'

Now that Clara had withdrawn that affection, Hazel missed it.

It wasn't that Hazel was sorry. She simply no longer felt cherished.

"Mo