Ruby's eyes dropped, her gaze falling to the floor as she felt a wave of regret wash over her. She had brought another trouble to Aunt Rosemary, and the weight of it was crushing her. Meemee had harshly criticised her and even Aunt Adriana had hit her.
Seeing her daughter's distress, Valerie's heart swelled with anger and compassion. She sighed. "I won't call your Meemee if you don't want me to," she said, her voice turned soft and gentle. "Did it hurt very much?"
Of course, it did!
Valerie's eyes drifted to the burn on Ruby's hand again, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. The sight of the red, blistered skin was enough to give her goosebumps. She could almost feel the pain and discomfort that Ruby must have endured.
'Not really, Mommy,' Ruby replied, her voice soft and low. 'It only stung a bit before Aunt Adriana poured water on it before applying cream,' she smiled.
