Chapter 3 Cupcakes And Whispers

The room was dark, but Lucy couldn't move. Something heavy pressed down on her chest like cold air thick with fear.

"Come and see your brother," the woman whispered again. That voice cracked, cold, and trembling always came before the worst part. Lucy's tiny legs dangled as the woman carried her, barefoot, through the wooden hallway. Her heart slammed against her ribs. Every step creaked like it would give way.

She was six. Or maybe five. She didn't even remember how it started.

The boy was already there, sitting on the dusty floor of the candle-lit cabin. His wrists had red marks. He looked up when Lucy entered, and for a moment, she forgot how scared she was. His eyes were big and sad. He looked older maybe seven.

The woman dropped her beside him.

"You two... stop fighting," she muttered, rocking in a chair nearby. "No more running, Eliah. And eat the cupcake, Amaris."

Lucy didn't know who Amaris or Eliah were, but she guessed the woman thought they were her kids.

"She's not my mom," Lucy whispered to the boy when the woman turned away.

"I know," he said. His voice was hoarse. "She's not mine either."

He slid the pink cupcake towards her. It was half-squashed and smelled too sweet.

"She said it makes us strong," he added. "Eat it. It helps."

Lucy took it with shaking hands, blinking back tears. "I wanna go home."

"Me too," he replied softly.

But they never told each other their names. They never had time.

###

Lucy shot up in bed, her heart thudding loud enough to hear. Her neck was sticky with sweat. Her breath came fast and short like she'd been running.

Another dream.

She'd had them for years, ever since that night. But lately... they were getting clearer. Stronger. She could remember faces now. A smell. The feel of the floor under her feet.

She touched her chest, eyes darting to the window as the first light of morning crept in. A bird chirped outside, too cheerful for how broken she felt.

She had work.

###

The café was already buzzing when Lucy rushed in, still tying her apron. Her hair was a mess, her eyes puffy from lack of sleep. She hadn't even brushed her hair properly. She dropped her bag behind the counter and forced a smile at the manager, who didn't even glance at her.

"Table six!" June called.

"Got it," Lucy mumbled, grabbing a tray with two cups of steaming tea. Her hands were shaking.

"Hey," June said, stepping closer. "You okay? You look like death."

"I'm fine. Didn't sleep much."

"You never do."

Lucy gave her a small shrug and turned away. But as she neared the table, her foot caught the edge of a mop bucket someone had left out. The tray tilted too fast to fix and hot tea splashed onto a customer's white shirt.

He shouted, jumping up. "What the hell!"

"I...I'm so sorry!" Lucy gasped, grabbing napkins.

The man glared at her, fuming. "Are you drunk? Are you even trained?"

"I..."

"I'll handle it," June said, sliding in quickly. "Sir, your tea is on the house. Let me get a clean shirt from the back."

Lucy stepped away, cheeks burning, throat tight.

June followed her behind the counter and handed her a bottle of water. "Girl, what's going on?"

"I don't know," Lucy whispered. "The dreams are getting worse. I feel like I'm losing my mind."

June's face softened. "Your dad... the arrest. I know it's a lot. But you have to hold it together."

"I'm trying."

June nodded. "Go take a break before the boss sees you."

But it was already too late.

Their manager, Mr. Lewis, walked up, arms crossed. His sharp eyes scanned Lucy like she was a stain.

"Oh look, it's the embezzler's daughter," he said. Loud enough for others to hear.

June stiffened. "That's not fair. Her dad's case has nothing to do with her.."

"Quiet, June." He waved her off and turned back to Lucy. "First your father robs the city blind, now you're spilling tea on paying customers. One more screw-up and you're out."

Lucy clenched her fists, said nothing, and walked away before her mouth got her fired.

###

Her house felt too quiet when she got home. The curtains were still closed, and the fan buzzed in the living room. She dropped her bag by the door.

"Mum?" she called.

No answer.

Her brows furrowed as she stepped inside. The air felt off. Still.

"Mum?"

Then she saw her.

Her mother lay crumpled on the kitchen floor, one hand outstretched like she was reaching for something. A glass of spilled water glistened on the tiles near her head.

"Mum!" Lucy screamed, rushing to her. "Mum, wake up!"

She shook her gently, then harder. Nothing.

Her heart pounded as she fumbled for her phone and called an ambulance. The ride to the hospital was a blur. The walls, the waiting room, the endless beeping machines.

A nurse finally came out, holding a clipboard.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "She was gone before she arrived."

Lucy sat there, cold, blank, not crying. Just... empty.

It had been too much. Her father arrested. Her dreams turning into memories. Her job hanging by a thread.

And now her mother was gone.

That night, when Lucy fell asleep curled up on the couch, the dream returned.

His voice echoed clearer.

"You have to be strong,you can do this."

But she kept crying,how was she going to handle this,the disgrace now death.

Her mother was gone forever.