The teacup slipped from Maya’s trembling fingers the moment Hazel pushed it back. It fell with a sharp motion, the porcelain bouncing against her palm before it dropped to the floor. The tea inside was still steaming hot, and it splashed outward in a wide arc. Drops of boiling liquid scattered across Maya’s hand, her wrist, even her blouse.
“Aah!” Maya screamed, clutching her hand as the scalding tea burned her skin.
The cup hit the ground a second later.
Bang.
Porcelain shattered across the polished marble floor, fragments skidding in every direction. The sharp crash echoed through the living room, cutting through the warm air and tearing apart the false politeness that had filled the room moments ago. The tension snapped entirely, leaving an almost audible c***k in the atmosphere.
E
