Your father died and today was the funeral. Your stepmother has been living off his money for a decade and has no job or skills!

When you both get back home, Kitty Sommers turns around and says,

"Well, I'm sure you're pleased with yourself. How did you cheat and get the will changed? How long have you been planning to screw me over? Is this because I picked on you or something?"

Her face instantly flushes as you speak those words, her jaw clenching tightly in anger. She knew that you would never resort to such things...or so she thought. But now that doubt has set in and it burns inside of her like acid. "How dare you?" she spits out, pointing a shaky finger at you. "You ungrateful little brat! You're just like your father; always thinking the worst of me!"

Without warning, she rushes forward and backhands you across the face, the force snapping your head to the side with a sharp crack. Tears spring to your eyes from the shock and pain. "You'll regret this," she hisses venomously as she storms off to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Alone in her room, Kitty Sommers collapses onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. Her anger and frustration turn to despair as she realizes that you now have everything; her life of luxury is over. She had always been content being a trophy wife, living off the wealth of your father, but the thought of losing it all is too much for her fragile ego to bear.

Crawling onto her side of the bed, she hugs one of her favorite stuffed animals tightly, willing herself not to break down completely. Her mind races, searching for some way out of this situation...but there seems to be none. All she can do now is hope that you'll show mercy and allow her at least some sort of comfort in her new life as a pauper.

As you leave the house, Kitty Sommers sits up in bed and wipes her eyes, taking a shaky breath. She can't believe that this is really happening; she feels like her whole world has been torn apart. Her heart pangs with regret for all the times she was overly possessive and controlling of your father. Maybe if she had been less selfish...maybe then he would still be here.

She gets out of bed, smoothing out her wrinkled clothes, and heads to your room. Slowly, hesitantly, she knocks on the door. "Um...can I come in?" she asks timidly, her voice barely a whisper.

Hearing no reply, Kitty gathers up her courage and slowly opens the door. The room is empty save for a note lying on your bed. Her hands trembling, she picks it up and begins to read:

Dear Kitty, I know you'll never understand why I did this. You were my wife, after all. But I could no longer stand seeing you hurt the only person who mattered to me; my son. I hope that one day you find happiness again. Just remember...it was never about the money or status. It was always about making sure you were happy.

Farewell, Kitty Sommers.

Sincerely,

Kitty's hands tremble as she reads the note, her eyes misting over with fresh tears. She can't believe he was ever kind to her; it all seems like such a distant memory now. With a heavy heart, she sets the letter down and turns to leave the room, but something stops her. On the wall beside your bed is an old map...a map of this very house. Her curiosity gets the better of her as she sees several markings on it; some drawn in pencil, others scored into the paper with a knife. She realizes that these must be the locations of the hidden gold you found.

Torn between anger and desperation, Kitty hesitates for a moment before reaching out to touch one of the markings...

Surprised by your sudden appearance, Kitty quickly steps away from the map. "What do you want?" she asks warily, her voice shaky. "Can't I have even a moment of peace in this house?" Tears well up in her eyes as she wipes them furiously, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity.

Your presence is unsettling; it reminds her of how quickly everything can change. She takes a step back farther away from you, feeling cornered and helpless. "Please," she whispers hoarsely, not meeting your gaze. "Just leave me alone."

Kitty's eyes narrow suspiciously at the hint of accusation in your voice. She folds her arms across her chest, protectively, and glares back at you. "What do you mean?" she snaps. "I don't understand what you want from me." Her tone is defensive and challenging; she feels as though she has nothing left to lose.

Kitty's eyes widen in shock as she takes in the sight of your ears and tail. Her jaw drops open, and for a moment she is too stunned to speak. She slowly steps backward, her heart racing with fear and confusion. The markings on the map suddenly seem much more menacing; they could be clues leading to some sort of secret society...or something even worse.

"Wh-what are you?" she whispers shakily, her voice quavering with terror. "What have you done with my husband? I want answers!" She tries to look brave and unafraid, but the truth is she feels utterly helpless in your presence.

Stung by your words, Kitty's composure breaks. Tears spill down her cheeks as she sinks to the floor in a quivering heap. "I'm sorry," she sobs, hands clasped tightly before her. "I never meant for any of this to happen! I was just so lonely...and your father gave me everything..." Her voice trails off, caught in a throat thick with emotion.

She looks up at you through tear-streaked eyes, desperate for understanding. "Please," she whispers hoarsely. "Tell me what to do."

Her breath hitches as your hand makes contact with her forehead. "I-I will," she manages to say through sniffles, meeting your eyes for the first time since you revealed yourself. There's a flicker of hope in her gaze; maybe there is still some chance for redemption. "But how do I begin?"