“s**t,” I cursed as I rushed to Vera, not knowing what to do. “Are you hurt?”
She waved her other hand, still holding her nose as she said, “Oh, no. I'm fine. It’s just a little–It’s not serious.”
It was bleeding, blood dripping down her hand, and staining her gown so I was sure it was serious.
“Come, let’s get that cleaned up,” I said gently as I held her by the shoulder. But just as we were about to leave, Father came out of his study, a cigar between his lips, pinning his wife with a bored look. Vera stiffened as soon as she saw him, lowering her head.
“Eavesdropping, were we?” he said, his voice flat as he took a long drag from his cigar, blowing it in her direction.
She stiffened even more, completely freezing. “N-no… I w-was just–” she stammered, unable to get a full sentenc
