I squirm and giggle helplessly.
She says sadly, “Happy Birthday, Mandy.
I want you to know, mommy loves you very much.
I have a very special gift for you today.
It will change your whole life.”
She places a box on the vanity in front of me.
It is 12 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 2 inches deep.
I know there is some kind of necklace in it.
Mom opens the box.
Something takes hold of me deep in my most secret place in my mind.
I shiver with the intensity of it. I cannot move.
My body refuses to do what I am wanting to do.
To immediately close the box.
I know what this is and cannot believe it.
I am totally helpless.
I can’t even speak.
Mom says in a voice broken with emotion,
“Mandy, today you are legal age to become a Royal Pet.
Do you remember Lady Lisa Marie?”
I remember her.