Chapter 52 A Child

• [Dorothy]
• “Luna,” she muttered as if she were saying a prayer, while her eyes were fixed on Mom. I watched as her hands trembled and lips quivered, unblinking as if someone poured a bucket of ice-cold water over her. Guilt and fear were evident in her eyes. She knew.
• Marvin stood from his chair and approached me, faking closeness and trying to give me a side hug, but I side-stepped and tapped his shoulder. “It’s okay, Marvin. It is not convenient to be seen in public getting close to a man. I am a ranked member of this pack now, and there are eyes and ears everywhere. I hope you understand.” I spoke to him like a true leader: diplomatic and logical. I am no longer the Dorothy he used to bully as a kid. I want him to know the difference in our current social standing, not to boast, but to put him in his place. I cannot assert my authority if I allow personal attachment to get in the way.