When I got downstairs, I was met with a horrifying sight. Ruth was sitting on the floor crying, surrounded by water, her skin from her feet to her thighs scalded and covered in blood. Shocked, I froze for a moment before rushing to her side. I bent down to check on her, my heart racing.
Before I could react, I heard footsteps approaching rapidly, and Uncle James burst into the hall.His eyes widened in alarm when he saw Ruth's state. He rushed near us and I stood up supporting myself with a tall vase at the side.
"Dad…. She poured hot water on my legs… I didn't do anything," Ruth said trembling in fear.
Uncle James' gaze shifted to me, filled with confusion and disbelief. "What?" He asked, his voice tight.
I stood frozen, my heart pounding. "Uncle James, it's a lie! I just came downstairs when I heard Ruth's cry. I didn't do anything!"
Ruth, still crying cling to her father's leg. " Dad, why would I hurt myself?, she did it! She even poured the grapes juice I gave her away. I've been trying to be the perfect cousin but she kept pushing me away."
I started at her, wide-eyed, my mind racing. "What's your goal ,Ruth? What do you want from me? Why are you blaming me for something I didn't do?" I demanded, my voice filled with frustration.
But before Ruth could respond, Uncle James interjected. "Enough! The two of you should shut up." He turned facing me, Anaya, did you pour the grapes drink Ruth gave you away?"
His eyes were red, his anger palpable. I shook my head, desperately trying to explain myself. "I did, Uncle, b..but I had a reason. You have to understand."
"What reason could there possibly be to throw away a gift someone gave you, especially when that person is your cousin?" Uncle James snapped. "If you didn't want it, you could've simply refused it. I would've understood that you were grieving your grandmother, but this–this is something else!"
I opened my mouth to protest, but Uncle James turned to Ruth and softly asked. "Now, Ruth, if Anaya truly poured hot water on you, where's the kettle?"
Ruth's eye gleamed with triumph as she looked at me. She smirked before speaking in a pitiful tone. "She pushed the kettle behind the vase when she heard your footsteps."
Uncle James approached me but didn't say a word. Instead we walked past me and lifted a steaming hot kettle behind the vase. His expression hardened as he looked at me, disappointment clear in his eyes.
I felt my stomach drop. "Uncle, please, you have to believe me. I didn't do it. Why would I hurt Ruth?
I was shaking with emotion, but as I looked at Uncle James, I saw doubt in his eyes. He turned away from me without saying a word, and Ruth started crying, clutching her father's arm. "I'm deeply hurt,Dad. You know how much I follow my skincare routine. She called me an orphan. I know it's true, but it hurts when someone rubs it to my face. She told me she had a father, but I don't have one I can truly calm mine."
Uncle James sighed deeply, his arms wrapped around Ruth as he carried her away, his silence like a heavy weight in the hall. He didn't spare me another glance.
I stood there stunned in silence, my heart sinking into a pit of despair. The trust that had once been between us was now shattered, and I was alone standing in the aftermath.