I was naive enough to believe her. I thought she had finally broken free of my aunt’s manipulation. I had no idea she had baited me herself and set the trap to keep me caged forever.
The next morning, I woke up with a splitting headache and there was a woman lying next to me. She threatened me, "Take responsibility, or I'll call the police."
Later, I found out she was called Tia.
***
Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the table.
"O … oops ... Sofia ..."
My daughter was coughing violently, her tiny face flushed red. She was at my aunt’s feet, choking.
My aunt chided, "This girl is so fragile, can't take a little prank. It’s just a little mustard! Why are you so dramatic?
I rushed forward and scooped my daughter into my arms. She was choking and sobbing. I frantically searched the table for water but there was nothing except alcohol.
"Aunt! She’s only a year old! How could you let a baby eat mustard?! You’re her great-aunt! Do you have no conscience to treat a child like this?" I shouted angrily.
A sharp slap landed across my face.
SMACK!
In a rage, my mother yelled, "How dare you speak to your aunt like that?"