The next day, I asked for leave for Chloe.
But a noisy racket of gongs and drums drifted up from downstairs.
"That woman in 302, Lily Miller, is pure evil! Seducing husbands and raising a monster! Karma is coming for her!"
I looked out the window.
It was Sophia. She had hired a waist drum troupe of elderly locals, unfurled a banner downstairs, and was shouting through a megaphone.
I calmed Chloe down and told her over and over not to go downstairs.
"Sophia, what's your problem?"
"Excuse me? You think my son getting bitten by your daughter is just gonna end here like that?"
She had brought Liam along with her. A gauze pad was taped to his ear.
He was just a kid, but his whole face reeked of spite.
"My mom says if you and Chloe don't get down on your knees and apologize, I will nev
