I had worn non-slip sandals, but they were useless on the slippery moss. I tried to stand but fell again. To avoid hitting my head, I used my palms to break the fall, but the reef was covered in sharp shells. One of them sliced into my right palm and I curled up in pain. The reef was cold, the moss was slimy and my swimsuit, which I’d chosen for the photos, only highlighted my humiliation and vulnerability.
“Baby, are you okay?” Mason’s rarely seen distressed expression surfaced as he tried to help me up, but his nails dug into my wound. As I struggled to pull away, I glared at Naomi, who was pretending to be worried. “Are you trying to humiliate me on purpose? Congratulations, you’ve succeeded!”
Naomi's voice trembled as if she was the one wronged. “Is it wrong to want you to take beautiful photos?”
Mason’s expression shifted in an instant. Not only did he loosen his grip, but he also pushed me away. “Jessica, you fell because you were being careless. It has nothing to do with Naomi. Didn’t your parents teach you how to walk properly?”