I helped Daniel into the car and got in myself when suddenly I heard a noise. I wish I hadn’t. Rumble gurgle rumble. Daniel was hungry. I was screwed.

Mother turned around so quickly that it sent a jolt through my entire body. Out of instinct, I pulled Daniel close to me and braced myself for a strike to the face. However, to my surprise, nothing happened. Correction. Something did happen. Just… not the something I expected. Mother spoke to us. She did not yell. She spoke. She asked, “Are you boys hungry? I cooked some food. It should still be hot by the time we get back. Oh, I almost forgot to apologize for being late! I hope you didn’t get too cold out there.” What was happening?! Mother hated being nice to us. She hated talking to us. She hated looking at us! The only reason why she would be acting like this was because she knew something. But what?