Liwan’s mouth parted and closed but no words came about. Old Martha’s cackles intensified, sounding like a crone that she is. She shifted her crane on the other hand and poked his leg again as if teasing him.
“What, cat got your tongue?” she asked, her toothy smile revealing her tar-stained teeth. “I know who you are, boy. Or rather, who you are now.”
Liwan shook his head, trying to drive away the shock invading his system.
“I-I don’t know what you’re trying to say.”
As soon as those words of denial escape through his lips, Old Martha’s palm landed at the back of his head. Liwan yelped in pain.
“Why did you do that for?” he loudly complained, rubbing the painful part of his head.
“Haven’t you learned at home that it is bad to lie? Much more to older people? Don’t tell me your paren
