CHAPTER 12
YOUNG DEFIANCE
Matthew watched Mariana play with her Barbie doll by dressing it up in a dress and stiletto shoes. She brushed the doll’s hair, almost pulling her head out of its neck socket. Mathew sat on the couch, warmed by her cute face and placid manner.
She suddenly sensed him. “I want to see Mummy.”
He swallowed and braced himself. “Your Mummy is still sick. She’ll be back soon, Mariana. Very soon.”
“I want a cheese sandwich, just like Mummy makes.”
He got up from the couch. “One cheese sandwich coming up.” Heading to the kitchen, he swung open the fridge and sighed. Grabbing the cheese slices and butter out of the fridge, he set them down on the bench and pulled out two slices of bread from the pantry. When he was done, he put the sandwich on a plate and called Mari
