Marissa closed her eyes briefly, then she pasted on a bright, bright smile before turning to face Mrs. Onwurah.

“Oh, Mrs. Onwurah! I didn’t see you there!” She spoke brightly.

“Of course you did not!” Mrs. Onwurah also replied with her fake smile, and then she poked Marissa again with her cane.

“Keep pretending; go on. Keep pretending,” she said as she narrowed her eyes at Marissa.

“What would I be pretending for? You know I wouldn’t dare, ma,” Marissa said, knowing that the woman had caught her.

“Your attitude right now makes me wonder why you will be running from me,” she said, giving Marissa a straight look. “Have...