“It’s just an animal. How dare it compete with Chloe for attention?” His glare was sharp. “If you don’t behave, I’ll throw it off the balcony.”
I stared at Muffin’s pitiful figure outside, my heart aching like it was being torn apart. That cat had been my companion through my loneliest years.
All day long, Daniel didn’t give Muffin a single drop of water.
When he went to care for Chloe, I secretly poured some into the bowl. Just as I set it down, I heard footsteps behind me.
“Emily, what are you doing?” Daniel stood in the doorway, face dark.
“Muffin was thirsty, I just gave him—”
Before I could finish, Daniel stormed forward and kicked the bowl over, water splashing across the floor. Muffin shrank into a corner in fright.
“I told you not to give it water!” He smashed the bowl right in front of me, shards scattering across the floor. “It’s just an animal. Why do you care so much?”
I crouched to pick up the pieces. A shard cut my hand, and beads of blood welled up.
The doorbell rang. I heard my mother’s voice outside:
“Daniel, I came to see Emily.”
He straightened his clothes, opened the door just a crack.
“Auntie, Emily’s resting. It’s not convenient for her to see visitors.”