Chapter 3: The Cupcake
Three days passed. Lily ate only when prompted, and only in tiny bites. The trauma of her grandmother’s psychological abuse was deeply rooted. On the fourth afternoon, Vance walked to the local diner and bought a single vanilla cupcake with pink frosting.
He returned home and placed it gently on the cheap laminate table. ""I know your birthday got ruined,"" Vance said, his voice a low, rough whisper. ""I don't have a candle.""
Lily stared at the cupcake. Slowly, she reached out, her tiny fingers trembling. She didn't eat it; she just touched the frosting. Then, a single tear rolled down her cheek. ""Am I in trouble, Daddy?""
Vance’s heart shattered. He dropped to his knees, pulling her into a gentle hug. ""No, baby. You're never in trouble for being hungry. Never again.""
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