Chapter Hundred-Twelve

Anita's POV

I woke up the next morning feeling the sharp ache in my leg, a throbbing reminder of everything that had happened the night before. I glanced down to see my leg tightly wrapped in bandages, immobilized. The pain was unbearable, making me wonder if I had broken more than just my ankle. My mind flashed back to last night, remembering how Maya had taken care of me despite my anger and constant refusals.

She didn’t have to do that, I thought, a pang of guilt crossing my heart. I had pushed her away, shouted at her, yet she had stayed. Maybe she really did want to be my friend, but that didn’t mean I could trust her. I wasn’t ready for friendship. Not when I knew what it felt like to be abandoned, to be betrayed.

Slowly, I forced myself up, rubbing my face to clear away the grogginess. I had chores to do, despite my injured leg. I couldn’t afford to stay in bed all day. Madame Betty wouldn’t allow it. And though my leg screamed in pain, I managed to put on my slippers, dragg