The guards dragged her into an elevator, then into a patient ward.
On the bed lay her mother—pale, unmoving, a ventilator hissing softly beside her.
“Mom…” Daisie’s dry, cracked lips trembled, and tears burst from her eyes.
She tried to rush forward, but the guards pinned her down.
Kendra stepped to the bedside, leaning down, and spoke to the unconscious patient.
“Auntie, look who’s here. It’s Daisie, your wonderful daughter.
“She’s pathetic now. Lost a kidney, got tossed aside by Willard, and locked up in the basement like a dog. Your family’s finished. Your husband’s dead. Your company’s gone. Your son’s useless.
“And it’s all because of your precious daughter! That shameless woman just wouldn’t stop clinging to Willard and wouldn’t stop provoking me. That’s why your family ended up like this!
“She’s cursed! She ruined her own parents’ lives! You’re lying here because of her!”
“Kendra! Shut up!” Daisie roared, struggling wildly against the guards. “Don’t you dare talk to my mother like that!”
Suddenly, the heart monitor beside the bed began to give a sharp, continuous alarm.
Her mother’s fingers twitched, and a tear slipped from the corner of her eyes.
“Mom! Mom!” Daisie cried hysterically.