The Price

Chloe Nelson was only eight, but as far as Mrs Nelson was concerned, darling Chloe's perfect shoes were on a path to great things.

Mrs Nelson ensured Chloe had the best of everything, including the best chance of coming out on top, no matter the endeavour.

She kept her schedule packed with piano lessons, ballet classes, and advanced tutoring. Mrs. Nelson pushed her daughter every day to practise, work hard, and to do so more and better than everyone else.

Be the best, no matter the cost.

Everything about her must be perfect, from clothes to performance, not a hair out of place.

Chloe tried. Really hard. Not least because, on some level, she felt this was the price of her mother's love. And... if it looked like another child might outdo her, something tended to happen to that kid. A rumour would go round about him. According to gossip, Riley Bates, the reigning spelling bee champion, had cheated.

If it wasn't whispered lies, it was physical harm. Rivals had a way of getting beaten up by bullies or coming off their bikes in such a way bones protruded through the skin.

The prettier girl at the last pageant had a severe nut allergy. Someone gave poor Miriam something with peanuts, and she was hospitalised, allowing Chloe to take first place.

A classmate brought over a diorama to show off. The dog chewed it. Her best friend, Toby, was the only one to score higher on tests. When he came over for a playdate, juice was mysteriously spilled on his books.

Chloe had a tendency to nightmares, and no wonder. Wound tight as a bow with no free time, no room for relaxation, boredom, or failure. Lately she'd been dreaming about her other friend, Isla, drowning at the next swim meet.

When Isla became ill after a school bake sale, Chloe made a phone call while her mother was in the garden. Next thing you know, traces of poison were found in Isla's system. Police came knocking to put handcuffs on Mrs Nelson and take her away.

Now she's in prison, but Chloe is free.

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Edited to add author's note:

Word count - 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and authors note.)

Submitted on Monday 9th September

Author's Note

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 253 daily microfiction story streak since 1st January.

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments. I will do my best to respond to each one and reciprocate the reads.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

Here is a recent Top Story of mine:

My new Dollar Challenge! Please give it a look:

A recent Runner Up placement for one of my Wanky Poems:

And now for something completely different! An oldie:

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Thank you again!