Chapter 2

"Mom! See? He doesn't even appreciate it. He's such a little monster, no emotions at all."

Hazel pulled at my hand, looking at Leo with disdain.

I quickly led her out of the kitchen, ready to give her a serious lecture.

To my surprise, Leo, clutching the egg, stumbled out behind us. Before I could react, he pushed open the front door and darted outside.

Hazel's eyes widened in shock. "Mom, the little monster ran away."

"Hazel, that's not a little monster. That's your cousin, Leo. He's your Aunt Rainey's child, he's family, okay?"

But my little terror just stared blankly, clearly not getting it. "Mom, he ran away. Do I still get the dress you promised to buy with the pearls?"

This kid. Spoiled rotten by the original me, she was a true little terror.

I sighed and grabbed my jacket, intending to go find Leo. It was so late, and even if he was the protagonist, he was still just a six or seven-year-old kid.

"Mom, it's so dark outside. Why don't you look for the little monster tomorrow?" Hazel tugged at my sleeve, trying to stop me from leaving.

"Hazel, it's late and cold out there. Wouldn't you be scared if you were alone outside?"

Hazel thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Well, Leo is only a year older than you. He'll be scared too, all alone. I need to go find him."

Finally, Hazel stopped pulling on my sleeve. "Mom, be careful, and please come back safe."

I ruffled her hair, then turned and left.