Jose and Julie just kept at it, sharp words flying back and forth. Jose's jaw was clenched, spitting out every syllable like it was a tiny, painful jab. Julie, though, was really losing it, her voice getting higher and higher. She even lunged a bit, not exactly at him, but as if the pure force of her anger could somehow make him take back what he'd said.

Then, clatter!

Diane's crutches hit the floor. Both Jose and Julie froze, heads snapping over to the sound. Diane didn't say a word. She hopped a few shaky steps, picked up the crutches, steadied herself, found her balance, and then, with this weird,...