Seven

“Explain it to me, baby. What happened to you? And why does this smelly liquid get over you?” my mom asked once more. 

I’m still crying. I dare not say it. 

“Are you being bullied by bad boys? Did they hit you, baby? Your face is so swollen,” she wiped away my tears, then stroked the top of my head. “I’m not going to ask anymore now. Take a shower first and calm yourself down, sweetie. Later, after that, I will bring cold water to relieve the pain in your swollen face.”

I just nodded slowly, then went to my room. After I threw my backpack, I went into the bathroom. Take a quick bath to remove the smelly liquid, then come out with a nightgown. 

In the mirror, I saw bruises from Giselle’s visible slap. I grimaced in pain when I touched the bruise.

Mom entered with a basin filled with water that had been mixed with ice cubes. She came up to me, and she told me she would treat me with