Sarah lowered the mug back down onto the cold wooden surface very slowly.
She stared directly at her mother-in-law with dark, questioning eyes.
"What is he talking about, Evelyn?" Sarah asked in a low, dangerous tone.
Evelyn took two quick steps forward and tried to chuckle softly.
"It is just sugar, my dear," Evelyn explained with a slightly nervous laugh.
"I put a bit of extra sugar in your tea to help your energy."
"We do not keep powder sugar in small paper packets," Leo shouted loudly.
"She hid the small paper packet under the cloth napkin on the counter!"
Leo turned around and pointed straight at the polished granite kitchen island.
Sarah stood up slowly from her heavy wooden dining chair.
She walked past Evelyn without saying a single word to her.
Evelyn tried to reach out to catch Sarah's arm, but Sarah pulled away.
Sarah walked straight to the kitchen island and lifted the white cloth napkin.
Underneath the soft fabric lay a crumpled piece of white paper.
It was empty, but a fine white dust lingered along the folded edges.
Sarah's heart began to beat wildly inside her tight chest.
"What is this, Evelyn?" Sarah asked, her voice shaking with growing anger.
Evelyn swallowed hard and smoothed down the front of her clean cardigan sweater.
"It is an organic supplement for pregnant women," Evelyn claimed quickly.
"My doctor friend suggested it to help you relax during your final month."
"Why didn't you ask me before putting it in my drink?" Sarah demanded.
"I knew you would be silly and refuse to take it," Evelyn replied coldly.
"You always reject my helpful advice regarding this baby and your health."
Sarah took a deep breath to steady her rising inner panic.
She grabbed her smartphone off the counter with a firm grip.
"I am calling Mark right now," Sarah stated with sharp absolute finality.
Evelyn's eyes widened in sudden fear as she stepped closer to Sarah.
"Do not bring my son into this foolish misunderstanding!" Evelyn snapped loudly.
"He is extremely busy at the downtown law office this morning."
"He deserves to know what you just did in his house," Sarah said quietly.
She dialed Mark's direct work number and held the phone to her ear.
Leo walked over and stood right by his mother's side.
Sarah placed a comforting hand on her young son's trembling shoulder.
The phone rang three times before Mark finally picked up the call.
"Hey Sarah, is everything okay at home?" Mark asked over the speaker.
"Mark, you need to come home immediately," Sarah said into the phone.
"Your mother just put an unknown powder into my morning tea."
There was a long, heavy silence on the line for several seconds.
"What are you talking about?" Mark asked, his voice filled with deep confusion.
"She slipped something into my cup while my back was turned," Sarah repeated.
"Leo saw her do it and stopped me from taking a single sip."
"Mark, she is being ridiculous!" Evelyn shouted toward the bright phone screen.
"It was only a simple health vitamin to help her sleep better!"
"I am leaving the office right now," Mark declared firmly before hanging up.