Chapter 3

The memory fast-forwarded to our arrival at the hospital. Don and Fronie rushed in. Fronie immediately enveloped Karsyn in a hug. Don, after a cursory glance at my bandaged arm, turned his full attention to Karsyn, his voice dripping with sympathy for the orphaned child.

Then, a new scene. Don, a few days later, in hushed conversation with a lawyer. He was beaming, a wide, almost manic grin on his face. "Of course, we'll take her in!" he announced. "She's family, after all!"

But the image shifted again, and the family dynamic twisted. Karsyn was instantly elevated. I was moved to a smaller, colder room in the attic. My new clothes were hand-me-downs.

One night, years later, I overheard them. "Are you sure this is all safe?" Fronie whispered. "All that money... are we really in control?"

"Relax, Fronie," Don replied, a greedy edge to his voice. "It's all set up. Karsyn's trust fund. Millions. We're her guardians. We just have to make sure she's happy until she's eighteen, and then..."

"But what about Elodie?" Fronie asked.

Don scoffed. "Elodie? She's the goose that lays the golden eggs, Fronie. A means to an end. Keep Karsyn happy, keep Karsyn on our side, and we'll be set for life. Elodie's just... collateral damage."

I didn't fully understand the phrase "golden goose" then, but the bitter taste of it clung to me. From that day on, I was no longer their daughter. I was a problem.