Lily was both fascinated and alarmed to find the eggs beneath her bed. She had no idea what they were or where they had come from. Her parents quickly decided to get them removed by a specialist. The expert examined the eggs closely as soon as he arrived. As he studied them, his terrified eyes enlarged and his face turned pale.
“These are not regular eggs,” he added, turning to face Lilly’s parents. We had to get out of your house right away.
Lilly’s parents were not happy with the invasion of their privacy, particularly since their little daughter Lilly was present. They tried to discuss the evacuation, but soon found there was nothing to talk about. This was a serious situation, and they had to get out as soon as possible.
None of them said anything when they realized what it was. At first glance, these seemed like just strange eggs, but a closer look showed that they were much more than that. The family was taken aback and asked the expert to explain himself right away.
They didn’t even have time to pack their bags before they had to leave immediately. Lilly observed her parents being led by the expert and his team out of the house. Lilly felt like a totally different person after this encounter.
What exactly about these strange-looking eggs was deadly, then? Why had the specialist left the house in such a panic at that precise moment?
Lilly, like most little girls, is afraid of everything that could lurk under her bed. She therefore checks under her bed every morning. The same happened on Sunday morning when she happened to notice a bunch of pretty strange eggs out of the blue. She was unaware of what was going to happen, and this was just the beginning of the scenario.
Startled, Lilly bolts downstairs. When she calls out for her parents, they don’t respond at first. When she gets her parents’ attention, she tells them about the eggs. They don’t believe her at first, but as soon as they see the fear in her eyes, they follow her upstairs.
And Lilly wasn’t the only one who was shocked now. By this point, her parents, Hilly and Oscar, were equally shocked. They question Lilly about whether or not she actually placed them there, but they quickly realize that she is innocent. Oscar feels that the eggs are really warm as he attempts to touch one carefully. Oscar, be careful…
In addition to phoning an expert to comfort Lily, Oscar and Hilly agreed to get the eggs taken out as soon as possible. It appeared that the eggs would hatch soon because they were warm. That would have been the best case scenario, in retrospect.
The specialist was on his way to the terrified family’s home in less than fifteen minutes after making his phone call. Strangely enough, he was reluctant to head upstairs straight away. Taking out a photo book, he initially displayed some images to Oscar and Hilly before asking if those were the eggs from upstairs. The eggs in question were then spotted in a picture.
The expert was taken aback when they indicated the photo. He didn’t respond to them. With limited time, he requested right away if he might go upstairs. How on earth could it be? Lily was terrified because she could tell from the expert that something major was happening. She was perfectly entitled to…
The specialist bravely entered the room and used a flashlight to carefully examine under the bed. The family watched in anxiety for several minutes while he searched under the bed silently. They were desperate for clarification, if not answers. Before they heard a tremendous sound out of nowhere, there was no response!
The specialist was yelling in terror! He had been working so quietly and intently, when all of a sudden, he yelled as though confronting his worst nightmare. Oscar gave Lily a tight squeeze in the hopes that she wouldn’t overreact. How could that be? Furthermore, why did the expert yell in such way?
However, the expert remained seated. He remained on the ground, keeping Oscar and Lily in the dark as he double-checked everything. Oscar pondered over the possible situation. He needed to know right away if it was that horrible, therefore he was gradually running out of patience! But could he really just ask the knowledgeable person?
When the expert finally stood up, he did not look the family in the eye! It’s ridiculous, Oscar thought. He became enraged and walked over, insisting that he tell him what he saw and why he screamed! But before leaving, the expert angrily said to Oscar, “I need backup! Give me some space!”
However, this just made Oscar’s side question more! Did he not care more about this than the expert himself, since this was his home? Hilly also joined at this time. She asked the expert politely what was going on and whether they could help, seeming a little more composed than Oscar. However, his response would only heighten their concerns.
This got a better response from the expert. He was obviously trying to talk to the parents, as he glanced worriedly in Lily’s direction. But no matter how hard he searched, he could scarcely find the perfect words. He stumbled over his words and stammered. Were these eggs indeed that uncommon or harmful?
In the interim, the specialist contacted his contingency. He made a good effort to explain everything to them, but it seemed like he had to say it more than once. That could only indicate that not much of it was understood by his backup! The expert finally hung up, waiting for their backup to arrive.
Lily, Oscar, and Hilly were instructed to wait in the living room for the backup. They reluctantly complied, but they weren’t sure what the expert meant when he said “backup.” Did he call his supervisor? perhaps one of his associates? And should they show up, what would happen? They are so full of inquiries.
Soon after, the backup showed up in the form of an entire team! They hardly acknowledged the family, giving young Lily a fleeting nod. They proceeded directly to Lily’s bedroom and started to gently remove the bed. The procedure had started, and it wasn’t a simple one.
White-suit-wearing men crowded Lily’s chamber. As the men tore up the room, Oscar and Hilly stood horrified by their daughter’s door. They moved every piece of furniture out of the way and gathered around Lily’s bed, gently raising it. Beneath their masks, they could hear the men murmuring something very serious.
However, the expert’s colleagues were equally shocked when the bed was shifted! Now that Oscar, Hilly, and Lily could see, they could also tell that there were at least five big eggs! Furthermore, it turned out that the eggs might hatch sooner than they had originally anticipated.
The group examined the eggs closely and then had a brief discussion. Oscar attempted to listen in on them, but he was unable. Still, he could tell that they were clearly upset about the state of affairs. Soon afterward, the group proceeded. They abruptly worked in a resolute manner after coming to a decision.
While some remained and taped off Lily’s room, others went with samples of the eggs. Oscar, Hilly, and Lily felt terribly left out since no one was allowed in anymore. Even though they were all aware that these eggs were unusual, nobody was taking the time to explain what it was.
The group ultimately chose to contact the police! Oscar was taken aback! Was it really that bad? Were the cops really necessary? He was afraid for his own innocence now that he had never seen the police in his neighborhood! Even though he knew he had nothing to do with it, the thought of cops still gave him the creeps.
He attempted to dissuade the expert by saying him it couldn’t be that difficult and that they could work together to find a solution. However, the expert was too busy to consider his advice. The incessant queries from the family had started to bother him. He insisted that they remain in the living room so that his staff may finish their work.
Soon later, there were cops and professionals everywhere in the house! The terrified family tried to comfort one another, but it was an unbelievable circumstance. Oscar and Hilly started to feel concerned since they were becoming less and less active in the investigation. It quickly became apparent that those worries were well-founded.
The commanding police officer showed up in the interim. He took a serious look around the room and struck up a conversation with Hilly and Oscar. Sadly, he was at a loss for words as he attempted to reassure them. He soon joined the other experts and agents. There had been a revelation.
Oscar made an effort to get closer to Hilly and little Lily. However, because the specialists and police officers were whispering, they were still unable to hear anything! It was obvious that they could not tell the family directly about this knowledge. Oscar then noticed an odd expression on one of the officers’ cheeks.
He observed how shocked he was, with his eyes wide open! This officer’s expression made it obvious that he had heard some news that he had never heard before! Oscar eventually lost patience as a result, and he joined the group. The officers quit whispering right away. Oscar didn’t care, though. He insisted on an explanation!
Oscar pressed the officers for an explanation. But as he was speaking to them, every police officer took an unexpected action that Oscar never saw coming. With great surprise, they said, “Sir, stay there,” as they took a step back. You must remain still as you lay on the ground!”What’s happening?” Oscar wondered.
Oscar was unable to object to an instruction even though he didn’t know why he was supposed to lie on the ground. He then dropped to his knees and slowly raised his hands in the air. Inside the house, Hilly and Lily gazed with wide eyes. Oscar was being taken into custody? Why would they take such action?
The police claimed that they might be infected. Oscar was astonished by what he saw. Suddenly, though, he noticed his little Lily sobbing outside their home. Oscar lost it as he saw the police pulling out their firearms and rushed in their direction. Did they really think that they were crazy?
However, Oscar was pushed to the ground right away. But Oscar was relieved that Lily was taken into custody by a rather typical police officer who handled her with kindness. Subsequently, Lily and his spouse Hilly were placed in another police car together with Oscar. but everyone parted ways. What is happening?
A few minutes later, Oscar saw a big group of people walking in wearing white suits and going inside the house. Oscar waited for hours without receiving any approach, leaving him perplexed. At last, someone approached Oscar and said, “Sir, we have to take you and your family with us.” What the hell? Was there an arrest taking place?
From the other car, Oscar could hear his daughter crying. It was bizarre to see his house surrounded by police and men dressed in hazmat suits since the situation had gotten out of control. All of the items they removed from his house were hidden inside airtight ziplock bags. It appeared bizarre.
Oscar saw that the driver of the automobile was a man wearing a white suit rather than a police officer as it drove away. He tried to inquire, feeling confused and concerned, but they said nothing. Why were they dressed that way, and where were they taking him? The mystery got even more complex.
They reached their destination—an airport—after a two-hour trip. Oscar didn’t know what was going on and was perplexed. Abruptly, he was led aboard a chopper that was already there and carried away. His heart raced with anxiety and uncertainty, even though he had no idea where they were heading or why.
“Where are my spouse and daughter?He made an attempt to inquire. The sound of his words could hardly be heard over the propeller of the helicopter. There was no indication of Hilly and Lilly in the other car, but he was belted in and given ear protection. Where do you intend to take me?He attempted to inquire again, but nobody responded.
Oscar’s head was buzzing with questions as he flew into the air. Had his relatives already arrived? He was curious, but he knew it wouldn’t work to inquire. “We’re almost there, just five minutes away,” a man suddenly said.
Oscar peered out of the chopper, trying in vain to identify the land below. There was no sign of life, and the countryside appeared parched and lifeless. He felt the helicopter drop suddenly. He peered down, seeing little to distinguish the creatures below. What was this location?
Oscar landed at a base camp that had the appearance of a military camp, but it was unique in some way. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. He felt apprehensive around the strange technology and unknown faces. Why was he transported here, and what could this place be?
Oscar was seized by the arms by a second group of individuals dressed in white suits as soon as the helicopter touched down. After escorting him into a neighboring building, they imprisoned him in a cell. He felt alone and imprisoned in the cold, clinical environs. What was to become of him, and why had he been brought here?
Oscar had been having a quiet supper with his family only the day before. He was now imprisoned in a cell, unsure of what would happen to him. Was there another reason for his detention, or was he under arrest? His family, especially his small daughter Lilly, was his top priority. The abrupt upheaval must terrify her.
Two hours later, a man wearing a white suit and once more completely packed entered Oscar’s cell. Identifying himself as Alex, he said he was employed by a squad of covert forces. He expressed regret for the circumstances but maintained that their actions had been required. Oscar pressed for explanations, but Alex stayed evasive.
Oscar’s primary concern was for his family, particularly Lilly, his daughter. He made a forceful demand to find out where they were being taken. Alex hesitated before answering, casting a worried glance at him. At last, he whispered, “I must share with you something.”
Oscar yelled, “What? ” as his heart raced. How come? How come?Was Lilly having any problems? His heart pounded in his temples as he tried to gather himself. He waited for Alex to answer, and a sense of impending doom filled the air. It was almost too much to withstand the tension.
Oscar was having trouble regaining his composure, so Alex gave him a drink of water. Oscar had never felt so powerless and was humiliated that he had let go of control in that way. Then, like a dense fog, Alex’s words lingered in the atmosphere. It has to do with your daughter.
Alex told Oscar in a somber voice that he had to gather himself since his daughter had been quite sick after they had arrived at the clinic. With concern engraved on his face, Alex clarified that it was the eggs. However, what did that actually mean? Oscar’s thoughts was full of inquiries.
Oscar struggled to accept the news of his daughter’s sickness, his head buzzing with questions. And what kind of eggs might have been the cause? Was she truly ill, and if so, to what extent? His thirst for answers was growing as the uncertainty consumed him.
Alex insisted that the virus was highly secret and continued to be evasive about it. Oscar wanted to meet his daughter right away because she was his top priority. But Alex told him it could only happen if he had tested positive for the virus himself. Oscar had to comply even though it made him nervous and terrified.
Oscar was tested by a different man who came in. They got the results an hour later, and happily Oscar was not afflicted with the virus. He was happy to see his daughter and felt comforted. He prayed to God for her well-being.
Oscar was informed by Alex that he needed to follow certain procedures. He was required to don a hazmat suit like everyone else and was not permitted to touch his daughter. They informed him that Hilly, his wife, was still awaiting the results of the test and that she would be joining him in their daughter’s room if she had a negative result as well.
Desperate for an answer, Oscar barraged Alex with questions as he went down the corridor. Where did the virus come from? Did it originate from the enigmatic eggs? What kind of animal may live inside of them? Oscar was warned by Alex to keep quiet about several matters, but Alex remained evasive.
There was stillness for some minutes until Alex eventually spoke. “While your daughter is severely affected, I can’t reveal everything, but I’ll give you some information.” Oscar’s pulse pounded as he attempted to put the puzzle pieces together. What on earth possibly be ailing his daughter so severely?
“But let’s do some testing to be sure before I tell you more,” Alex added, guiding Oscar to his daughter’s room. “Everything we can to support her is being done. Ready to see her now?”
Oscar entered the room and was astounded to see his daughter, who appeared very exhausted and pallid, laying in bed. He couldn’t shake the question in his mind about whether she would survive this trauma.
Alex did not say anything, unable to comfort Oscar. The virus was poorly known, and there was a low survival rate, especially in youngsters. Now, all they could do was keep a careful eye on Lilly and pray for the best.
Alex went on. There are just three examples of this virus that are known to exist worldwide, making it very new. He paused and glanced at Oscar. “We’re still testing a lot of potential cures, but one really stands out.” Oscar was getting too used to the overwhelming silence. “Alex, tell me what’s going to happen to my daughter please.”
As Alex spoke, Oscar’s heart raced. “What is it?”He enquired earnestly. Alex stated, “It’s risky, but there’s a chance it could work,” with a determined yet unsure expression. “We must move quickly.”
Alex hypothesized that if his daughter received Oscar’s blood, her blood cells may mix with his healthy ones and thus save her life. Oscar accepted the blood transfer without hesitation and sat down to wait for the process to be completed.
They needed to draw blood and fill a large bag. However, they needed to confirm that their blood types were compatible before they could begin the transfusion. This could not function unless their blood types were the same. They did, in fact, have the same blood type, as tests revealed. Oscar was relieved.
Following the transfusion, they went into Lilly’s room and hung the blood bag so that the blood would seep into her veins. This was now a waiting game. Oscar had to ask whether they knew anything more about the unusual eggs that carried the virus.
They had to keep a tight eye on Lilly. In the event that something went wrong, they had to stop the transfusion right away. Oscar observed his daughter while seated near her bed. How did things reach to this point so quickly? He pondered in his head. His daughter’s survival was uncertain, and her life was in jeopardy.
At last, Hilly showed up. Like the others, she was dressed in a white suit. However, it was comforting to know that she tested negative for the virus as well because of her presence. Oscar gave his wife a strong hug before they took a seat near to their daughter. Without even being certain that she could hear, I comforted her.
Hilly’s spouse was asking the same questions as her. However, Alex’s responses were as ambiguous. Nobody knew with confidence what fate had in store for Lilly. They also didn’t want to give false assurances. Alex and the other specialists left the room after a short while, but Oscar wasn’t finished yet. He decided to follow them.
Alex eventually gave in to Oscar’s curiosity about the eggs and told him more about them, but only after he signed a contract committing him to keep the information private. Oscar nodded, astonished at what he was going to discover.
Desperate to preserve his daughter, Oscar signs the deal without hesitation. Oscar feels there’s more to the story as Alex starts to divulge details about the enigmatic eggs and the virus they contain. What other secrets are being withheld from him, he wonders? Will he later regret agreeing to this contract?
Oscar was taken aback when Alex disclosed that the virus originated from the eggs of an odd, potentially extraterrestrial, organism. How it might have gotten into Lilly’s chamber was beyond him. Though he had a lot of questions, he realized he had to remain composed and figure out how to save his kid.
Oscar’s shock gave way to acceptance when he realized he could rely on the legitimacy of the agreement he had signed. Now that he was thinking about his daughter, he wanted to know how she was doing. “How is she faring?With trepidation, he asked, hoping for good news.
Oscar’s daughter had finally awakened from her profound sleep, and he was ecstatic to hear that his blood had worked. Eager to see his little girl again, he asked Alex if he might see her.
Lilly questioned what had happened as they embraced. Her appearance had improved significantly in just a few hours. She was to remain overnight for observation, but tomorrow she would be free to return home if things continued to get better. In order to make their daughter feel comfortable, Hilly and Oscar stayed with her.
They asked whether they may finally go home the following day. But Alex informed them that was a challenging circumstance. because they needed to clean their house thoroughly and it was still under lockdown. Rather, they furnished Oscar and his family with a makeshift residence where they might remain until it was time for them to return home. The conclusion.
Minha sogra e as irmãs do meu marido me obrigaram a limpar tudo sozinha depois da Páscoa — eu concordei, mas elas não estavam preparadas para minha “surpresa”
Quando a família do meu marido decidiu que eu seria a empregada pessoal deles na Páscoa, eles não faziam ideia de que eu já tinha escondido algo especial junto com aqueles coelhinhos de chocolate. O que aconteceu depois foi algo que ainda me faz rir.
Nunca fui do tipo que conta roupa suja online. Sério, não sou. Mas o que aconteceu nesta Páscoa foi perfeito demais para não compartilhar.
Uma mulher segurando uma cesta de ovos | Fonte: Pexels
Meu nome é Emma, tenho 35 anos, trabalho como diretora de marketing em uma empresa de médio porte e sou casada com o Carter há três anos maravilhosos. O Carter é tudo o que eu poderia desejar. Ele é solidário, atencioso, engraçado e sabe como colocar a louça na máquina de lavar louça corretamente.
Nossa vida juntos tem sido quase perfeita, exceto por um problema gritante: SUA FAMÍLIA.
“Emma, querida, você pode me trazer outra mimosa enquanto está acordada?”, a voz da minha sogra, Patricia, ecoou pelo nosso quintal no mês passado, embora eu mal tivesse dado dois passos em direção à cozinha.
Ela não se moveu da poltrona acolchoada por mais de uma hora.
Uma mulher sentada em uma sala de estar | Fonte: Midjourney
Não sou daquelas pessoas que reclamam de tudo. Não posto status passivo-agressivos nem compartilho minhas queixas nas redes sociais. Mas a mãe do Carter e suas três irmãs, Sophia, Melissa e Hailey… elas são especiais. E por especiais, quero dizer aquelas que se sentem privilegiadas.
“Claro, Patricia”, respondi com o sorriso treinado que aperfeiçoei ao longo de três anos de casamento.
Desde o primeiro dia, eles deixaram claro que eu não era exatamente o que eles tinham em mente para Carter.
Um homem em pé em uma sala de estar | Fonte: Midjourney
Eles são o tipo de pessoa que acredita estar sempre certa e que nunca me aceitou de verdade. São o tipo de pessoa que faz elogios envoltos em arame farpado.
“Ah, Emma, você é tão corajosa em usar algo tão apertado”, comentou Sophia, a mais velha, de 41 anos, em nossa última reunião de família, olhando para meu vestido perfeitamente normal.
Melissa, 39, nunca perde a oportunidade de comentar sobre meus hábitos alimentares. “Que bom que você não se importa com calorias”, ela dizia enquanto me observava dar uma única mordida na sobremesa.
Uma fatia de bolo em um prato | Fonte: Pexels
E tem a Hailey, de 34 anos, que, apesar de ser mais nova que eu, sempre consegue soar como uma tia desaprovadora. “Nossa família tem tradições fortes. Espero que você consiga manter.”
Mas nesta Páscoa? Ah, eles realmente se superaram.
“Já que você e Carter ainda não têm filhos”, anunciou Melissa três semanas antes da Páscoa, enquanto seus três filhos subiam em meus móveis recém-limpos, “faria sentido vocês organizarem a Caça aos Ovos de Páscoa”.
Não basta esconder alguns ovos de plástico. Não.
Eu deveria criar um evento inteiro: pistas para uma caça ao tesouro, fantasias e até contratar um mascote de coelho com meu próprio dinheiro.
Uma pessoa fantasiada de coelho segurando um cachorro | Fonte: Pexels
“Isso realmente mostraria que você se importa com a nossa família”, acrescentou Sophia, tomando seu café com leite e ajustando seus óculos de sol enormes enquanto relaxava no meu quintal.
Carter apertou minha mão por baixo da mesa. “Parece muito trabalho”, começou ele, mas suas irmãs o interromperam.
“É só o que fazemos nesta família”, Hailey deu de ombros, embora eu nunca a tivesse visto levantar um dedo para organizar alguma coisa.
Tudo bem. Engoli meus protestos. Por enquanto.
Eles mal sabiam que eu já tinha começado a elaborar um plano que faria com que esta Páscoa fosse inesquecível.
Uma mulher escrevendo em um caderno | Fonte: Pexels
Dois dias antes da Páscoa, meu celular apitou com uma mensagem de texto. Patricia tinha criado um grupo de bate-papo familiar. Menos Carter, é claro.
“Já que você já está ajudando, querida, seria MARAVILHOSO se você preparasse o jantar de Páscoa! Carter merece uma esposa que saiba receber bem. 
”
Fiquei olhando para o meu telefone, minha pressão arterial subindo a cada notificação enquanto Sophia, Melissa e Hailey davam suas “sugestões”.
Uma mulher usando seu telefone | Fonte: Pexels
O que ela realmente queria dizer era: cozinhe para 25 pessoas. Uma refeição completa: presunto, purê de batatas, caçarola de vagem, ovos recheados, pãezinhos, duas tortas e “uma opção mais leve para quem está de olho na silhueta”.
Nenhum deles se ofereceu para trazer sequer uma torta.
“Eles querem que você faça o quê?”, perguntou Carter quando lhe mostrei as mensagens. Seu rosto ficou vermelho de raiva. “Isso é ridículo. Vou falar com eles.”
“Não”, eu disse, colocando a mão em seu braço. “Não se preocupe com isso.”
“Mas Emma, isso dá muito trabalho. Deixe-me pelo menos contratar um bufê.”
Um close-up do rosto de um homem | Fonte: Midjourney
Sorri e beijei sua bochecha. “Eu consigo, confia em mim.”
O domingo de Páscoa chegou com um clima primaveril perfeito. Eu estava acordada desde o amanhecer, escondendo ovos para a caçada mais tarde e preparando o banquete que eles pediram. Ao meio-dia, nossa casa estava cheia com a família de Carter. Sua mãe, três irmãs, seus maridos e filhos de quatro a 12 anos.
“Emma, este presunto está um pouco seco”, comentou Patricia segundos depois de dar a primeira mordida.
“As batatas precisam de mais manteiga”, acrescentou Melissa.
Purê de batatas na tigela | Fonte: Pexels
“Na nossa família, geralmente servimos o molho em uma molheira adequada, não em um copo medidor”, Sophia destacou, embora eu tivesse usado a molheira antiga da minha avó.
Carter começou a me defender, mas eu o encarei e balancei a cabeça levemente. Ainda não.
Eles comeram. Eles destruíram a cozinha. Deixaram os filhos à solta, espalhando chocolate por todo lado.
O caçula da Melissa até derrubou um vaso, e ninguém se deu ao trabalho de recolher os cacos. Tudo o que ouvi foi: “Crianças são crianças!”
Um vaso quebrado | Fonte: Pexels
E então, depois de se empanturrarem, eles se acomodaram nos sofás com suas taças de vinho, sem mover um músculo.
“Emma”, Sophia olhou por cima do ombro e disse, “a cozinha não vai se limpar sozinha”.
“Ah, querida”, acrescentou Patricia. “Agora você pode limpar tudo. Hora de mostrar que você é uma esposa de verdade.”
Elas sorriram, acomodando-se no sofá como rainhas mimadas enquanto seus maridos desapareciam para assistir basquete na sala.
Carter se levantou. “Eu te ajudo, Emma.”
Um homem olhando para frente | Fonte: Midjourney
“Não, querida”, eu disse alto o suficiente para todos ouvirem. “Você trabalhou duro a semana toda. Vai relaxar com os rapazes.”
As irmãs trocaram olhares satisfeitos. Elas achavam que tinham vencido.
Eu sorri. Ah, eu sorri tão docemente. Bati palmas.
“Com certeza!”, respondi animada. “Eu cuido de tudo!”
Seus rostos presunçosos relaxaram enquanto voltavam à conversa sobre o cruzeiro de Sophia. Hailey colocou os pés em cima da minha mesa de centro, e seus sapatos deixaram pequenas marcas na madeira.
“Crianças!”, gritei alegremente. “Quem está pronto para a Caça aos Ovos de Páscoa especial agora?”
Uma garota sorrindo | Fonte: Pexels
Crianças animadas vieram correndo de vários cantos da casa.
“Mas eu pensei que já tivéssemos feito a caça aos ovos esta manhã”, disse Patricia.
“Ah”, eu disse, piscando para as crianças. “Essa foi só a caçada de sempre. Agora é hora do Desafio do Ovo de Ouro.”
As crianças gritaram de excitação.
“O que é o Desafio do Ovo de Ouro?”, perguntou o filho de dez anos de Melissa, praticamente pulando de excitação.
Um menino em pé em uma sala de estar | Fonte: Midjourney
“Bem”, expliquei, tirando um ovo de plástico dourado e brilhante do bolso, “enquanto eu estava organizando a Caça aos Ovos de Páscoa de sempre esta manhã, escondi algo muito especial.”
As crianças se reuniram ao meu redor, com os olhos arregalados de admiração pelo ovo brilhante na minha palma.
“Dentro deste ovo de ouro há um bilhete sobre um PRÊMIO MUITO ESPECIAL”, eu disse, baixando a voz dramaticamente. “Muito melhor que doce.”
“Melhor que doce?” A filha de oito anos de Sophia engasgou como se eu tivesse dito que a lua era feita de queijo.
Uma garotinha | Fonte: Midjourney
“Com certeza. É um prêmio com TODAS AS DESPESAS PAGAS!”, anunciei.
As crianças estavam praticamente salivando. Eu podia sentir Patricia e suas filhas observando com leve interesse do sofá, provavelmente presumindo que eu estava falando de algum brinquedo ou vale-presente.
“O ovo de ouro está escondido em algum lugar no quintal”, continuei. “Quem o encontrar ganha o grande prêmio! Preparado?”
As crianças correram para a porta dos fundos, quase atropelando umas às outras para serem as primeiras a sair.
Uma criança saindo de uma porta | Fonte: Midjourney
“Que gentileza sua, Emma”, disse Patricia do sofá. “Mantenha-os ocupados enquanto digerimos.”
Carter cruzou o olhar comigo do outro lado da sala e ergueu uma sobrancelha. Eu apenas pisquei.
Quinze minutos de busca frenética depois, ouvimos um grito triunfante vindo do canto mais distante do jardim.
“EU ACHEI! EU ACHEI O OVO DE OURO!”
Era a filha de Sophia, Lily, correndo pelo gramado, acenando o ovo de ouro sobre a cabeça como uma tocha olímpica.
Perfeito. Eu não poderia ter planejado melhor se tivesse tentado.
Um ovo de ouro | Fonte: Pexels
“Parabéns, Lily!”, gritei enquanto todos se reuniam ao redor. “Você gostaria de abrir e ler seu prêmio?”
A menina de oito anos abriu ansiosamente o ovo de plástico e tirou um pequeno pedaço de papel enrolado. Sua testa franziu enquanto ela tentava ler.
Uma menina olhando para um pedaço de papel | Fonte: Midjourney
“Você gostaria que eu lesse para todo mundo?”, ofereci docemente.
Ela assentiu e me entregou o papel.
“Aham”, pigarreei dramaticamente. “O vencedor do Ovo de Ouro recebe o GRANDE PRÊMIO: você e sua família cuidam de TODA a limpeza da Páscoa! Parabéns!”
Por três lindos segundos, um silêncio absoluto caiu sobre nosso quintal.
Então veio o alvoroço.
“O quê?” Sophia gaguejou, quase engasgando com o vinho.
“Isso não é um prêmio!” Melissa protestou.
Lily pareceu confusa. “Preciso limpar?”
Uma garota chateada | Fonte: Midjourney
“Não só você”, esclareci alegremente. “Sua família inteira pode ajudar! Não é emocionante? Toda a louça, a cozinha, a coleta de embalagens de doces… tudo!”
“Emma”, começou Patricia, com a voz severa. “Isso é só uma brincadeira, né?”
“Ah, não, é o prêmio oficial do Ovo de Ouro”, insisti. “As crianças ficaram tão animadas com isso.”
E foi então que a coisa mais magnífica aconteceu. Todas as crianças começaram a cantar: “LIMPE! LIMPE!”
Carter caiu na gargalhada, incapaz de se conter por mais tempo.
Um homem rindo | Fonte: Midjourney
“Isso não tem graça”, Hailey sibilou.
“Na verdade”, disse Carter, parando ao meu lado e passando um braço em volta da minha cintura, “é hilário”.
“Não podemos esperar que as crianças limpem”, protestou Sophia, com o rosto vermelho.
“Estou apenas seguindo as regras”, eu disse docemente. “As tradições familiares são importantes, certo? Você me ensinou isso!”
Patrícia se levantou, claramente tentando retomar o controle da situação. “Emma, querida, isso é inapropriado.”
Uma mulher gritando | Fonte: Midjourney
“É mesmo?”, perguntei inocentemente. “Mais inapropriado do que esperar que uma pessoa cozinhe e limpe a sujeira de 25 pessoas sem ajuda? Mais inapropriado do que fazer comentários sarcásticos sobre a minha comida enquanto você come a comida que preparei?”
As crianças continuavam cantando, cada vez mais alto. Várias delas já haviam começado a recolher o lixo do quintal, levando o desafio a sério.
Uma pessoa coletando lixo | Fonte: Pexels
“Mãe”, Lily puxou a blusa de grife de Sophia. “Nós vencemos! Temos que limpar!”
Diante do entusiasmo dos próprios filhos e do crescente constrangimento da situação, eles não tinham escolha.
“Tudo bem”, Sophia finalmente murmurou.
Entreguei a ela um par de luvas de borracha com um sorriso. “O detergente está embaixo da pia.”
Durante a hora seguinte, fiquei sentada no pátio com os pés para cima, tomando uma mimosa perfeitamente gelada, observando a mãe e as irmãs de Carter esfregarem a louça, limparem os balcões e varrerem o chão.
Carter se juntou a mim, batendo seu copo no meu. “Você é brilhante, sabia?”
Um homem sorrindo | Fonte: Midjourney
“Aprendi com os melhores”, respondi. “Sua família sempre diz como é importante seguir as tradições.”
Enquanto eu observava Patricia esfregar desajeitadamente o molho seco da minha assadeira, ela me olhou. Por um instante, havia algo novo em sua expressão. Algo que parecia suspeitosamente respeitoso.
Na próxima Páscoa? Tenho a impressão de que eles vão trazer pratos e produtos de limpeza para compartilhar.
Um balde de produtos de limpeza | Fonte: Pexels
Dizem que a vingança é um prato que se come frio, mas o que preparei para meus netos depois que eles abandonaram minha esposa em um posto de gasolina foi simplesmente frígido. Às vezes, o amor parece lições difíceis, e às vezes as lições precisam doer para serem aplicadas.
Esta obra é inspirada em eventos e pessoas reais, mas foi ficcionalizada para fins criativos. Nomes, personagens e detalhes foram alterados para proteger a privacidade e enriquecer a narrativa. Qualquer semelhança com pessoas reais, vivas ou mortas, ou eventos reais é mera coincidência e não é intencional do autor.
O autor e a editora não se responsabilizam pela precisão dos eventos ou pela representação dos personagens e não se responsabilizam por qualquer interpretação errônea. Esta história é fornecida “como está” e quaisquer opiniões expressas são dos personagens e não refletem a visão do autor ou da editora.
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