Overly Curious

My mom hugged me tight, repeatedly calling me “pumpkin,” and planted a loving kiss on the top of my head.

My dad stared at me intently, scanning my bruised and battered body. “The Moon Goddess is still on our side, Nicole. Our daughter has been saved once again,” he said with relief.

Mom held my hand. “Can you tell us what really happened, pumpkin? How did you fall into that ravine?”

“I was just trying to help a little girl who was about to fall. Someone pushed me,” I answered.

“Do you know who it was?” Dad asked sharply.

“No, I don’t. And because of that, the poor little girl had to fall and lose her life,” I held back my tears.

“Oh, pumpkin. You are such a gentle-hearted girl, even though you can be stubborn sometimes,” Mom stroked my hair.

Mark walked into my room, dressed in fresh clothes after his awkward shifting. “I heard from Jamien that you went with your groupmate to pee before you disappeared,” he said.

“Yes, I did accompany Mitchell. I don’t think he’s the one who pushed