The world shrank to that sound. She shrieked high and small and yanked her foot back. A real metal mousetrap snapped around the insole.
The right sneaker had one, too. It smacked shut when she touched it. Laughter burst from the doorway.
Karolina stood there with her phone up recording. Did you guys see that? She jumped.
It’s a prank. Hitlike. I flew forward, ripped the trap off, checked my kid’s toe.
A red welt rose across the nail. Her jaw clenched so hard her cheeks shook. Don’t start.
Gloria sighed, stepping out with her coffee. It’s a joke. She’s not made of glass.
A joke. I pulled Sophia behind me, blocking the camera. You put a mouse trap in a child’s shoe.
Carolina tilted her phone. Relax. It’s content.
People love family pranks. People love laughing at pain, I said. That doesn’t make it okay.
Someone here needs to chill. She singonged. I’m making us go viral.
