“It isn’t fair, Mother. We have all of this money. Why do I have to ask for your permission to spend it?” she giggled as she twirled in her expensive garments. She couldn’t help but smile at herself. She was the image of beauty, privilege, and ease.

Her mother wrung her hands, knowing that no punishment would change her. If anything, her daughter only seemed to worsen with time.

“In the booth now, please.”

She fought back a tear. Her daughter was the pinnacle of her father’s success.

If only I had known, I’d never have agreed to bear a child.

“Father will be upset, but punish me if you must. We both know it won’t change me.”

She removed each piece of clothing with care, never looking away from her frightened mother.

She appears as delicate as a flower, yet venom runs through her veins.

“It is best that you understand both sides of this world. It’s for your own good.”

She followed her daughter from her room, down the long hallway, and into the expansive medical suite.

“Please, Mother. I’ll never be like you. I didn’t come from that world. You can flood me with their grief and pain all you want. I’ll never change.”

With that, she stepped defiantly into the booth, tossing her long, shining hair behind her. She glared at her mother.

Her father hadn’t told her.

Now we can purchase their death.

“Forgive me, daughter, but you need to know what it is like to die hungry,” she whispered as the booth’s door closed.

Moments later, she heard her daughter’s laughter.