The bright crystal lights hung high above the grand hotel ballroom.
Soft music played gently as wealthy guests walked around talking softly.
A large American flag hung proudly on the main white wall.
Seven year old Lily held a small peach rose in her hand.
She had saved her allowance for a week to buy it.
Her little heart beat fast as she looked at her stepmother.
Vanessa stood near the stage wearing a long silk dress.
She was talking to rich investors about her family business.
Lily took a slow step forward on the shiny floor.
She wanted her new mother to love her so much.
Lily: Look what I brought for you today, Mommy Vanessa.
Vanessa turned around with a cold frown on her face.
She looked down at the tiny girl holding the rose.
Vanessa: Get that dirty thing away from my expensive dress!
Lily flinched as Vanessa knocked the rose out of her hand.
The flower fell to the floor and got crushed underfoot.
Vanessa: You are an annoying little pest, go stand in the corner!
Vanessa shoved the child backward with a harsh pushed hand.
Lily stumbled back against a table and burst into tears.
Her small shoulders shook as she wept in front of everyone.
The nearby guests stopped talking and turned their heads quickly.
Lily: I just wanted you to like my special flower!
Vanessa: Nobody cares about your stupid little flower, now shut up!
The hall grew dead silent as people watched the mean scene.
Vanessa did not care that she made the girl cry.
She turned back to her friends like nothing had happened.
Lily wiped her wet eyes with her small coat sleeve.
Nobody stepped in to help the poor lonely little child.
The cold environment felt heavy and sad for young Lily.
She looked around the huge room feeling completely alone inside.
Her heart felt broken into a hundred tiny pieces today.
She wondered why her new mother hated her so much.
Her father was nowhere to be seen in the crowd.
Lily cried harder as her small knees began to shake.