Chapter 6 - January

Mother was in her glory during our afternoon shopping spree, ensuring the unsuspecting shop staff listened to her every word about my European exploits. She toyed with her victims like a nasty, spiteful cat and its helpless prey. Her need to exaggerate, twist, and distort the truth to make it more impressive and exclusive was a master skill. Mother mesmerized the workers with her mendacious narrative. She was the Rolls Royce, and I was the shiny hood ornament on full display.