That evening, I returned home with my unfinished painting. As soon as I stepped in, I saw my mother standing in the hallway, her face filled with anger. "Kneel!" she commanded harshly.
Before I could react, the nanny behind me pressed down on my shoulders, forcing me heavily onto the ground. The rough stone made my knees ache, and they were probably bruised and swollen.
But this pain was nothing. I looked up at my mother as she strode over, snatching the painting from my hands.
When she saw that it was unfinished, her face turned even darker.
She pointed at my nose and scolded, "Where have you been? I asked your teacher, and she said you left early!
"You, a girl, stayed outside until it was dark before coming back! You didn't even finish the task given by your teacher!"
I looked up at her, about to explain when a sweet voice interjected. "Aunt Clara? Why are you so angry? Who upset you?"
My mother's stern face softened as she reached out to pat the newcomer's hand. "Violet, it's your inconsiderate cousin! She came back so late."
My cousin, Violet Noris, feigned surprise as she said, "Oh my, could she be lovesick?"