A door opened and a screech filled the entire house.
“Stop sc-ss-screaming, Maddie,” said a battered, broken Vickie.
Carlo was beside her, trying to help her up and apologizing in one breath.
“No, no, Carlo,” she batted his hands away weakly. “Let me rest.” She was sure that any movement now might send her to her grave.
“Of course, Signora,” he acquiesced eagerly, “but at least let me bring you to the couch and away from the floor.”
“The floor ... the floor suits me.” Her skull felt like someone had stuffed bells inside it and set them ringing; and if she moved, the world tilted. If she breathed too deeply, stars went wild behind her eyes.
“Vickie!” screamed Maddie as she raced down the stairs to join her. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?”
“My head... rings.”
“How did this happen?” Maddi
