Blood Ties and Bitter Lies.

Summary

My five-year-old daughter is a master of deception.

I took her back-to-school shopping, and in the middle of a crowded mall, she screamed at the top of her lungs that I was a kidnapper. I was nearly hauled off to a precinct in handcuffs.

When we got home, before I could even open my mouth, she collapsed into her father’s arms, sobbing.

"Daddy, Mommy wouldn't buy me my supplies! She hit me in the street!"

I tried to explain the truth to my husband, but he didn't even let me finish. He backhanded me across the face, his eyes burning with rage.