Chapter 21

Ted froze. His fever-flushed face was filled with disbelief. Then, a piercing wail broke out. It was sharp enough to hurt one's eardrums. "Ah! How dare you pinch me! What right do you have to hurt me?" Though he was ill, he had the surprising strength to shove Mona so hard that she stumbled. The commotion drew the attention of bystanders, who began whispering and pointing. Mona's anger flared, but she had to suppress it for now. "Ted, I never did that. I just wanted you to see a doctor. You're sick, so behave." Ted yanked his hand free from hers. "You did pinch me! You're a bad woman!" Nydia had never hurt him physically. No matter what he did, she would always reason with him with patience and share countless short stories to help him understand. Mona threw her hands in frustration. She wished she could just leave Ted there and walk away, but Mick hadn't finalized his divorce. She hadn't taken Nydia's place and couldn't afford to reveal her true colors for now. She gritted he