Ali's little face crumpled, and tears spilled down her cheeks.
Sienna froze, the taste of honeyed fish still lingering on her tongue. Elias looked guilty, caught in the act.
Ali's sobs filled the house, echoing like a siren's sad wail at the sea.
Sienna reached out, torn between laughter and guilt. She tried to embrace Ali but her daughter's wail grew louder.
"You left me behind!" she cried, throwing herself to the floor dramatically. "You promised that you would always take me with you when you are going to eat good food, mama. You are a liar. You don't love me!"
They were familiar with Ali's expertise when it came to melodrama, but this time, the girl was taking it up a notch.
Ali's little arms flailed, tears continued to stream down her cheeks as she wailed, "Betrayal! You have betrayed me. Are you my parents? How can parents eat and forget their children? I will not forgive you."
Sienna pinched the bridge of her nose. "Get up, Ali."
