Chapter 4

The next morning, Grandma Martha arrived at the shelter, her face pale with worry.

The moment she saw Eleanor, she didn't even bother with a greeting. She went straight to the point. "Where is Hazel? Why is only Chloe here? Why didn't you bring Hazel with you?"

Eleanor rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with annoyance. "Look at how you spoiled her! She is throwing the most ridiculous tantrum right now.

Who knows where she ran off to? She won't even answer her phone. She's doing this just to spite me!"

Grandma Martha's face fell, her voice shaking with repressed anger. "Hazel is not that kind of girl. She would never play games during a natural disaster. Think, Eleanor! Where could she be? Why aren't you out there looking for her?"

"Look for her? I called her last night, and she ignored me! How is that my fault?" Eleanor sneered.

"She’s old enough to walk. Was I supposed to carry her onto the boat? I had Chloe to protect! I couldn't just abandon Chloe for her.

You've coddled her since she was a baby, and now she's turned into this selfish, stubborn brat!"

Grandma Martha's hands trembled, her voice cracking. "I coddled her? That's because you never wanted her! You dumped her on my doorstep.

When have you ever acted like a real mother to her? And now you're blaming me?"

Eleanor looked defensive, her voice rising. "I let you raise her because you insisted! Besides, how can you say I don't love her? She's just difficult and always goes against me!"

Just then, a police officer in a high-visibility jacket walked into the gym. He scanned the crowd, his face grave, and walked straight toward Eleanor. "Excuse me, are you Hazel Vance’s family?"

Eleanor frowned, turning to Grandma Martha with a smug look. "See? I told you she was fine. She probably got herself brought here by the cops just to make a scene."

She turned to the officer, her voice filled with condescension. "What did she do this time? She always loves making a scene to get attention. Did you find her? Was she fighting with someone? Or did she cause some trouble? Just tell me what kind of embarrassing stunt she pulled this time."

She shook her head, sighing dramatically, ready to lecture me.

However, the officer didn't smile. He looked down, silent for a painful moment, before speaking in a low, heavy voice. "Ma'am, I am so sorry for your loss... We recovered Hazel Vance's body."