A Hot Slap

Avery's heels clicked angrily against the pavement as she approached the familiar facade of her parents' house, dragging her luggage like a reluctant companion. The front door swung open before she could even reach for the handle.

"Mother!" Avery called out, her voice tinged with frustration and defeat.

Dora stood at the threshold, a perfectly plucked eyebrow arched in surprise. "What is it? Why are you back with-" Her gaze dropped to the suitcase. "Your bag."

With a gesture more forceful than necessary, Avery heaved the suitcase onto the welcome mat. It landed with an ominous thud, the sound reverberating through the otherwise silent hallway. "Why didn't you tell me Cathleen had grown some balls?"

"Ah." Dora's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing on her lips. "That girl talks back, so cheeky and sassy." But there was a hint of respect in her tone, begrudging as it might be.

"Did her husband see you?" Dora inquired, leaning casually against the door frame; her curiosity barely masked.

"Yep,