C52

"Stella." Karen's voice became deeper. She gazed at the little girl motionlessly.

"Do you think it's appropriate to do so?"

Stella pursed her lips, feeling a sense of guilty.

Usually if her mother spoke to her in this way, it meant she really got angry.

"Mommy."

Stella tugged at her sleeve. "I just want to play with Noah for a bit longer."

Karen still stared at her solemnly.

"I know