Chapter 81: A Peaceful Afternoon

**Dorothy’s Perspective** The afternoon was tranquil, as serene as a still lake. Yet, that peace was continually punctured by Grandmother’s shrill voice echoing through the house, shattering any illusion of calm. "I've said it a thousand times! Don't put those disgusting weeds on my windowsill!" Her voice thundered as she stormed into the room, carrying my carefully arranged herbs in her bony, trembling hands. Without a care, she hurled them onto my bed, the sharp edges of the leaves grazing my cheek. She seemed entirely oblivious to my presence, though I was clearly lying there, engrossed in a book. “These abominations are vile! Filthy! Reeking of evil! They’ll curse our family and bring us nothing but misfortune. And it’s all your fault, you treacherous little witch!” Her face flushed with anger, and her chest heaved like an ancient bellows on the verge of collapse. Every time she raged like this, I couldn't help but fear that one day her fury might actually consume he