The bowl slipped from Maddie’s hands, crashing to the floor. Hot porridge splattered everywhere and the ceramic shattered. Maddie gasped as the scalding liquid splashed onto her feet. A sharp pain followed as a shard of porcelain sliced into the back of her foot, blood pooling instantly.
***
Jane’s scream drew Rico into the room. He rushed to Jane’s side, his eyes wide with concern.
“Jane, are you okay? What happened?”
“She just… bumped into me,” Jane said, her tone laced with accusation. “It’s fine, though. I’m not hurt.”
Rico turned to Maddie, who was crouched on the floor, clutching her bleeding foot. His brow furrowed as he noticed the injury. “Maddie, are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Maddie murmured, her voice strained as she fought back tears. She tried to stand, but pain shot up her leg, making her wince.
Jane’s gaze flickered to Maddie’s foot, but her expression remained indifferent. “I mean, accidents happen,” she said breezily, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But Maddie, you really should be more careful.”