Chapter 41: What is Iris?

"Iris, are you alright?" Jennifer's soft voice pulled Iris back to reality. She sat on the edge of the bed, her concerned eyes studying her daughter's trembling body. She was cleaned up now from all that blood. 

"Mama…" Iris's voice cracked as she clutched the blanket tightly. "Where's Aunt Sally?" Her eyes, once so vibrant, were now dull and lifeless, haunted by what she had done. 

Jennifer stiffened but forced a calm expression. "Sally is busy, sweetheart. You'll see her later," she said, her voice steady, though the lie felt like poison on her tongue. 

Iris's hands trembled as she stared at Jennifer, her disbelief evident. "But Mama... I saw her. I saw her head... she was—" Her voice broke, and tears welled up in her eyes. 

Jennifer reached out and clasped her daughter's shaking hands. "Iris, listen to me. Tell me everything," she urged gently, her heart breaking at the fear etched into her daughter's face.