MILDRED

DON'T!

I bounced my black short hair forward to conceal my face and I breathed slowly to avoid excess strain on my ribs as Enid's hand returned to my ribs.

My fear heightened, he was going to hurt me again but the elders were now close.

"Please," I begged, placing a gentle palm above him on my waist.

"It's just a reminder that I'll crack one rib if any elder suspects your teary eyes." He spoke without his lips moving.

His fingers ran in a feathery motion above my aching ribs in a manner that was not to soothe me but to remind me he was still close.

But...