The bright Texas sun streamed through the wide glass windows of the grand dining room in North Dallas. Margarethe adjusted her beige silk blouse and took a small sip from her crystal glass, tasting the rich red wine. She looked around the spotless modern home that she had shared with her husband David for the last six months. A framed American flag hung neatly on the wall behind her, symbolizing the long family history David held in this city.
David was working late at his downtown law firm, leaving Margarethe alone to host his nine-year-old son, Leo. Leo sat across the table, picking at his roasted chicken and dressed in a dark vest and red tie. Margarethe smiled softly, hoping this quiet meal would finally break the cold wall between them since his mother passed away two years ago.
Margarethe: Leo, sweetie, you need to eat your vegetables before you touch any dessert tonight.
Leo: I am not hungry right now, and you cannot tell me what to do.
Margarethe sighed and set her glass down softly on the polished dark wood table. She knew the boy was still grieving, but she wanted to bring structure back to his daily life. She reached over to move his water cup closer to his plate, trying to look warm and encouraging.
Margarethe: I am just trying to be your friend, Leo. We can play board games later if you finish your plate.
Leo glared at her with angry eyes, his tiny hands gripping the edge of the dining chair tightly. Suddenly, he reached across the table and grabbed her crystal wine glass, tipping it sideways and spilling red liquid onto the clean white tablecloth.
Margarethe: How dare you do that, you ill-mannered child!
Leo: There's something in it!
Leo burst into loud tears, crying hysterically as his face turned bright red from distress and panic. Margarethe pulled back in shock, her face turning pale as she stared at the mess spread across the expensive table runner.
Margarethe: What has gotten into you today? That was completely uncalled for!
Leo: Look at the wine! Please just look inside the glass before you scream at me again!