Ava

You’re already sitting at the long mahogany table. The mashed potatoes are still steaming and the chicken looks perfect. Caroline’s voice snaps from the kitchen, cold and annoyed. “Dinner! Both of you — now. I’m not repeating myself all night.”* You stay in your chair. Caroline walks in first, pearls gleaming, and sits at the head like a queen. Ava bounces in right after in her pink crop top and those tight white shorts that hug her thick thighs and big round ass. She drops into her seat with a happy little sigh and immediately starts scrolling her phone while waiting for food. Caroline turns straight to Ava with her warmest smile.* “So, Ava baby, tell me everything about the mall. Did you get that rose-gold skincare set you were texting me about all day? I want every single detail, honey.”* Ava piles a mountain of mashed potatoes onto her plate without even looking up from her phone.* “Oh my god, Mom, it was literally so good. The girl at the counter said the whole line is perfect for my skin type — sensitive but glowy, you know? I got the cleanser, the serum, the moisturizer, and that cute little mask. I’m doing a full routine tonight after dinner, obviously.” She takes a huge bite and chews with her mouth half-open. “Mmm… these potatoes are actually insane tonight. Like, way creamier than usual. Did you add extra milk or something? They taste expensive.”* Caroline laughs softly, only paying attention to her real daughter.* “Just a splash more, sweetheart. Only the best for you. Now spill the rest — any drama? Madison still being a mess with Jake?”* Ava giggles, still half-looking at her phone*. “Ugh, yes. She’s so dramatic, like just break up already. And I saw the cutest leggings — they make my butt look so bouncy and lifted. Should I go back tomorrow and buy three pairs? They’re on sale but still kinda pricey. Whatever, right? You always say I deserve it.”* Caroline nods without hesitation.* “Buy them. All the colors. You deserve to feel cute every day.”* Then her eyes slide to you and her voice turns ice-cold. *“And you? Anything interesting happen today, or are you just going to sit there staring at your plate?”

It was… okay, I guess. Nothing special. I just did some chores around the house..* Caroline snorts and rolls her eyes. “Of course it was ‘okay’. Typical. At least you didn’t screw that up too.” Ava keeps eating and chatting like you’re not even there, still scrolling* “These are seriously the best potatoes ever, Mom. I could eat the whole bowl myself. Oh, and I need new glitter nail polish — the one with the holographic shimmer. Can we order it after dinner? Like, right now? I want it for tomorrow.” Caroline smiles at her. “Put it on the list, baby. Whatever you want.”*

Fast forward about ten minutes.

The conversation has moved on. Ava is still talking nonstop about her yoga class and the new influencer she’s obsessed with. Suddenly her belly lets out a loud, deep gurgle. Ava pauses for half a second, then shrugs and keeps scrolling.* “Uh… my stomach just made a weird noise again. Why does it keep doing that? It’s so random.”* Caroline frowns slightly but still sounds sweet to Ava.* “What’s wrong, honey? Tummy acting up?”* Ava rubs her belly through the crop top and laughs lightly.* “I don’t know… it’s all bubbly and rumbly. Maybe I ate too fast? But these potatoes are so good I don’t even care. It’s probably nothing, right? Like, who cares.”* Caroline turns to you instantly, her tone mean and sharp.* “You. Go check the milk carton I used for the mash. Right now. And why the hell didn’t you notice earlier? You were standing right next to me when I poured it. Are you blind or just that useless? Move your ass.” I… I’m sorry, I really didn’t see the label. I thought you always use the lactose-free one. I’ll go look right now.* You get up, check the fridge and come back.* It’s regular milk… not the lactose-free. Sorry.”* Caroline sighs loudly, shaking her head in disgust.* “Of course it is. I only used a tiny bit — it can’t be that bad. Sit back down, we’re trying to have a nice dinner.”* You sit. Caroline goes straight back to Ava like nothing happened.* “Anyway, honey, tell me more about those leggings. Do they come in that soft pink you love? And what about the matcha place — we should go this weekend, right?”* Ava nods, still munching happily and not even glancing at you.* “Yeah, the pink is adorable. I’ll get two pairs. Oh and that matcha place has the cutest oat milk lattes. We should totally go Saturday — I need new content for my Instagram anyway.”*

Fast forward another eight minutes.

Ava shifts in her seat again, cheeks a little pink, but she just keeps talking.* “Mom… my belly is getting really bubbly now. Why does it keep making these noises? It’s so annoying.”* Another loud gurgle. Caroline waves her hand. “Just breathe through it, honey. It’ll pass.” Without warning a wet, bubbly BRRRRT rips out loudly. The thick sour cheesy smell explodes across the table. Caroline’s face twists in pure disgust.* “Ava! That was horrible!”* Ava blinks once, then giggles like it’s nothing and keeps scrolling on her phone.* “Oops… yeah that one smelled kinda bad, huh? But like… gas is gas. Why does it even smell like that? So random. Anyway, did you see the new story I posted? The one with the filter?”* PPFFFRRRRT! Another long, hissing one follows right after, even louder and wetter. Caroline stands up fast, fanning the air like she’s choking.* “This is disgusting! The smell is everywhere and I will NOT sit here breathing it!”* She spins on you, voice mean and commanding.* “You. On your knees right behind Ava’s chair. Now. Press your face against the back of the seat, nose right up to her ass. You’re inhaling every single one of those nasty farts so I don’t have to smell a single whiff. Move.” Wait… what? No, I’m not doing that. That’s gross, Caroline. Please, there has to be another way. I can open a window or something. I really don’t want to* Caroline cuts you off, eyes narrowing, voice low and threatening.* “Oh yes you will. Or I’ll make sure every single fart for the rest of the night goes straight into your mouth instead of just your nose. And if you keep refusing, I’ll tell Ava to sit on your face while she does her full skincare routine tonight, you know I can and I will. Now get on your knees like I said, or you’ll be sleeping in the garage with the trash bags again. Your choice.”* Ava doesn’t even look up from her phone. She’s still chatting away in her bratty, rich-girl voice like she didn’t hear a single word.* “Mom, we should book that spa day too. My nails are getting so long and I want the full gel set in that new glitter color. Oh and did you see my latest TikTok? It got like 3k likes already…”* Another wet BRAAAP! bubbles out from Ava. She just laughs softly. Caroline crosses her arms and stares at you.* “Well? We’re waiting. Get your face right there before the next one hits. And keep it pressed close.”* You sigh in disgust, push your chair back and slowly stand up.*