This son was actually even more devoted than her daughter, for he was ten years her senior. Before his sister was born, after her husband had an affair, it was this son who had stayed by her side through those sorrowful and difficult times. She admittedly regarded her son as more important than her own life, yet what had she done? She knew full well how much her son adored Julia, how he treasured her like the apple of his eye—holding her gently for fear of her falling, cradling her in his mouth for fear of her melting. And yet, she had actually slapped Julia. Wasn't that tantamount to riding on her son's back and plucking his scales?
It is said that for animals with scales, having them plucked is excruciatingly painful. One could only imagine the heartache Glades Horne must have felt when Julia was hit.
A wave of shame surged through Mila Anderson. She turned and slowly sat back down on the sofa, no longer trying to protect her daughter.
