Sophie’s Inferno

“Lies.” Sophie’s aunt spat. “We all know there are no animals in our forests. They’re just trying to cover up their carelessness, especially since it has cost them the death of a child.”

“Have you gone to see Shelly?” the woman asked suddenly.

Sophie’s aunt shook her head. “No. I cannot leave his side. I will send Sophie up there later to give her my condolences for me. It is so tragic.”

"Yes, it is.” The woman concurred. “And you must send your condolences. Oh, dear Shelly. That poor, poor soul.”

***

The clangs of knives and forks were the only sound that could be heard as the three occupants of the mansion gathered around the dining table.

The excitement of the morning had quickly faded, allowing the gloom in the atmosphere to seep in. Sophie’s aunt, who was the most talkative of the three, had said nothing since their arrival at the market hours ago and the departure of her visitor.

She had cooked the meal silently, asking no help from her niece, and prepared the table by