CHAPTER 26

Bruised cheeks and drops of blood slipping down the corner of lips was enough to set Sarah into a panic mode. Her 100^th discussion of ‘what’s wrong with Michelle Ricci’ on phone with Jessica came to a sudden stop. She rushes to kitchen to get some medical supplies. Mike, frankly, still vexed with her, ignored her gesture, and strode to his room.  

Reemerging with a white box in her hand, she stood puzzled at the empty hall. On the edge of balcony, his arms embraced the hand railing. Memories from his worst moments threatened each step she padded across the room. Mike’s current disconnection with her and the group is triggering uncertainty but still she came to his side. She had to, no way around it. Gently, she pushed him down to swing chair and started cleaning his wound. He hissed slightly, surging a tremble in the helping hand.

“What happen?” Sarah said calmly, despite her internal tremor.  

“My dad hit me”

“What did you do to