Play with the Phantom (Midnight, #2)

by Amanda Richardson

I’d never tell Asher this, but I used to own the same set. I was maybe three or four when my grandma took me shopping. It’s one of my first memories—walking along the toy aisles, waiting to pick something out. My youngest sister had just been born, so my grandma took me back to her house—the same house I currently live in. I spent all day playing with the Jewel Secrets set. I loved it more than anything I’d ever loved before. And when my dad came to pick me up, he made me throw it away. I can’t even remember the reason, but as I got older, I realized it was because he prioritized discipline, practicality, and “usefulness” over anything he perceived as superficial. He viewed all feminine, princess-y things as pointless—indulgent, even. Later, as a teenager, he would emphasize obedience in everything I did. It was never about the toy. It was about control. About shaping me into someone who didn’t question authority, who didn’t make selfish choices, who didn’t waste time on things that brought joy instead of function. And I was the eldest daughter. I had to be strong. Had to be responsible. Had to be perfect. There was no space for softness. No room for mistakes. No time to be a little girl who just wanted to keep her favorite toy.

*sobs*