Rico hesitated, his gaze lingering on Jane’s foot. “Your burn needs to be treated. Change your clothes and I’ll take you to the hospital before the interview.”
“Okay, Rico,” Jane replied sweetly, glancing at Maddie out of the corner of her eye.
Rico’s voice turned cold as he looked back at Maddie. “Clean up this mess. Someone else could get hurt.” Without another word, he left the kitchen, his concern wholly reserved for Jane.
As their laughter faded, Maddie broke down. The sobs she had suppressed poured out in ragged gasps.
It hurt.
It all hurt.
She wasn’t sure if the burning pain from the porridge or the cut on her foot was worse—or if it was the ache in her heart that consumed her the most.
***
After wrapping her foot with a makeshift bandage, Maddie hailed a taxi to the hospital. The doctor cleaned her wound and stitched it carefully, offering advice about avoiding further strain.
As she stepped out of the hospital into the crisp morning air, her phone buzzed. It was her mother.
“Maddie,” her mother began, her voice warm but tinged with concern, “how’s the packing going? I bought you a plane ticket for six days from now. Your sister will come to pick you up in New York the day before.”