It began peacefully—too peacefully.
Michael handed Marnie a large bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with fresh strawberries, chocolate drizzle, and tiny marshmallows arranged like a galaxy of sugary stars.
“I love this,” she sighed as she took the first bite.
Michael smiled proudly. “Everything for my wife and our twins.”
He sat beside her, pretending to read medical articles on his tablet but actually watching her like a hawk trying not to look like a hawk.
She ate a second spoonful.
Then a third.
Michael relaxed.
Then… she froze.
“Michael,” she whispered.
His body went rigid. “What is it? Are you nauseous? Dizzy? Do the twins feel heavy? Do your ankles hurt? Is your back hurting? Is—”
“The ice cream…” she cut in dramatically.
“Yes?” he asked, leaning in.
“…is too sweet.”
He
