The little girl stands facing her mother, her eyes peering up at her. “Do you like me?” She asks. Her mother is quick to respond, “of course I love you!” With a bright smile she makes her tone warm and inviting. The little girl doesn’t move. Her mouth is carved into a frown, and she doesn’t smile, she just stares at her mother. She looks at her in sadness, and this time, with a quiver in her tongue, she asks “but…do you _like_ me” while tears are forming at the spot. Her mother stares at her again, this time thinking. Her expression changes from warm to cold, her eyes showing a cruel undertone that was not visible before. “Don’t be silly, Madison.” she states, then walks away.