Violet bustled over, grabbing my arm to drag me toward the dining table.
"Zoey, you're back! You must be exhausted. Hurry, wash your hands and eat," she said, her voice dripping with feigned warmth. "These are my relatives from back home. Isaac saved you the best parts—he was worried you'd be hungry."
I ripped my arm from her grip. My finger trembled as I pointed toward the empty balcony.
"Where is Mochi?"
Violet hesitated, her gaze shifting away.
"Why are you asking about that? It's just a beast. Come on, sit down and eat..."
I took a step back, my voice rising to a scream. "I asked you a question! Where is Mochi?"
Hot tears spilled over before I could stop them.
Violet flinched at my outburst, standing silent and awkward.
Isaac wasn't having it. He stumbled forward, face twisted in a scowl, and slapped me hard enough to snap my head back.
"Watch your tone with my mother! Are you deaf? Did you not hear what I told you this morning?"
He gestured at the table. "We stewed the damn dog. Do you know how much that thing ate? I've never seen a woman waste money like you. It's freezing outside, so a hot pot is exactly what we needed. Consider it the beast's final contribution to the family!"