Mary Parker , already in full makeup with curled , bouncing locks , beamed at her only child and walked over to kiss her forehead . Nancy winced as a big blotch of red lipstick smudged her skin . “ Good morning , dear . Did you sleep well ?” Mary asked while her powder blue dress swished against Nancy ’ s desk .
She was about to answer , but her mother pushed her shoulder-length brown locks away , studying the knotted mess . “ Oh , sweetie . You didn ’ t brush your hair yet ?”
“ Good morning , Mother . And no , I didn ’ t .” Nancy sighed . “ I was … writing ,” She turned away as her mother ’ s lips pursed in disapproval like she just had the sourest lemonade .
She raised an eyebrow . “ What were you writing this time ?”
“ Well , I had a strange dream last night . It was simple , yet so horrifying . I was drowning — over and over again in the house ! All I saw were walls of water pouring down and choking me . It was horrendous . I know you don ’ t like my stories , but I thought it would make an interesting idea .”
Her mother ’ s face blanched before she stormed out of the room , shaking her head and muttering , “ Breakfast will be ready in 20 minutes , dear .”
20
* * *
Mary finished preparing a full breakfast of eggs , both scrambled and sunny side up , pancakes , and bacon