The slap

Predictably, thought Deb, it was her daughter Sally’s impertinent friend Maddie who eviscerated the piñata and sent lollies flying.

And it was Maddie who ended up with the lion’s share. “Maddie,” said Deb, kneeling, “how about you share these?”

“They’re mine,” the child said.

Deb took a breath. “You need to share,” she insisted, prising lollies from the girl’s fists.

Maddie slapped Deb’s cheek.

Enraged, Deb removed herself before doing something she’d regret.

Later, when divvying up Sally’s birthday cake, Deb served Maddie an empty plate and relished the look on the girl’s face. “Don’t eat it all at once, sweetheart.”

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