“Mom, I need to tell you… This is my medical report,” my voice cracked as I handed it to her.
The paper was battered and stained with blood—my blood, from when I was pushed out of the car and slammed against the rocks. I trembled as I held out the last piece of proof, hoping beyond hope that this would finally make them see the truth.
Mom hesitated as she took the report. A flicker of doubt crossed her face.
Erica’s expression faltered. Panic flashed in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with worry. “Mom, watch it. There’s been news about the new spreading virus. That paper’s dirty, are you sure you want to touch it? I just don’t want you to get sick.”
Mom’s face darkened, but she still unfolded the report. Her brows furrowed deeper with every line she read. Dad and Everett leaned in to see, their curiosity overtaking their judgment.
Mom’s eyes reddened as she reached the end. For a moment, the air seemed to still.
My dry, aching eyes stung with the return of tears.