Shattered reality

Phoebe’s POV

I stood outside my mother’s bedroom, holding the fashion magazine in my hand. I had spent hours flipping through its pages, and had marked a few pieces from the latest collection by my favorite designer.

The excitement bubbling within me was almost too much to contain. I couldn’t wait to show her the clothes I wanted to get for my friend's birthday party.

I knew money was a bit tight due to the company's financial situation, but I knew how to press my mother's buttons to get her to get me the clothes.

But as I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the atmosphere felt…off. My mother stood by the window, her back rigid, hands clenched at her sides. She turned slowly to face me, and the coldness in her eyes made my heart skip a beat.

“Mom, look at—” My words were abruptly cut off by the sting of her hand slapping my cheek. The magazine slipped from my fingers, landing on the floor. I was too stunned to react, my mind scrambling to understand what had just happened.