Bio: Eden Brower grew up in Queens and lives in Manhattan in New York City. She is 31-years-old, and she has a bachelor's degree in English literature from Hunter College.

Eden operates a dog walking service in Manhattan. "The Daughter" is only the
third short story she has ever written, and it is the first thing she has had published.

Recently, Eden began working on a young adult novel and hopes to have it finished by the end of the year.
 

The Daughter

by Eden Brower

It was difficult for the girl to ignore the pounding on her bedroom door. She was an obedient daughter and usually followed her parents decisions unquestionably. But tonight she had locked herself in her room and refused to come out. She could hear the celebration clearly from where she sat on her bed. The sound of glasses clinking, the droning music, and the voices of her family rising and falling in excitement was not enough to lure her downstairs.
 

“Sweetie, would you just open the door for me?” her mother pleaded from the other side of the door. The girl remained silent. She sat on the bed hugging her knees to her chest. The thought of joining the party downstairs made her stomach clench up and her head throb.

“Honestly, honey, I don’t know why you’re acting like this,” sighed her mother. “Your family is very upset with you.”

They didn’t sound upset though. They sounded jubilant. The day they had been waiting for was finally here. Their excited chatter made her feel a sudden pang of guilt. She knew, eventually, she would have to leave her room and head downstairs. The entire family had to be there or it wouldn’t be right.

Her mother had fallen silent in the hallway. The girl could picture her mother’s anxious face, confused but hopeful. She sighed, unfolded her legs, and walked over to the door. Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door and swung it open. May as well get it over with. . . .

The look of relief that swept over her mother’s face when she stepped into the hallway calmed the girl a little. At least her mother was happy.

“Let’s go down, baby,” her mother cried as she hugged her. “Everyone’s waiting for you.” Her mother glowed as she clutched her daughter’s arm and lead her to the staircase.

She’s scared I’ll run away, the girl thought guiltily. She wouldn’t. She loved her parents and her family too much to ruin the big night for them.

Her family was already seated on the floor, drinks poured. Her father smiled at her as she adjusted her white robes before taking her usual place in the circle. The dozens of white candles scattered around the room barely made a dent in the darkness. Her family grew silent as she sat down. The final member had arrived and they could begin.

Hands reached out and lifted the goblets they each had in front of them. The girl put one of her hands on her mother’s leg, barely able to feel the shape of it through the heavy robe. Her mother smiled at her reassuringly. As the members of the family began to drink, the girl lifted her cup to her lips. She squeezed her mother’s leg and in unison, the girl and her mother downed the poison.
 

©Eden Brower