Martha cowered, enduring her mother's narcissistic rage again. Her mother snatched the little girl's valued treasure box from her bureau and opened it.

"I'm putting all my love for you in here, until you earn it back!" She slammed the lid.

Then, her mother stormed out of the room, leaving Martha alone. The dejected little girl picked up the box and held it to her chest.

"Mommy, please don't be mad, but I need some of your love back. I'll only take a little bit, I promise."

With tear clouded eyes, she carefully opened the lid...

The box was empty.