But my momentary tolerance only led to even crazier retaliation.

I had just started to recover a bit.

Maria was with me, and we were simply planning to go for a walk.

Just then, a man rushed toward me, trying to throw something at me.

A sharp, acrid smell immediately assaulted my nose, and I instinctively tried to pull Maria away.

But Maria was faster, placing herself in front of me before I could react.

'Hissing—'The piercing sound made me tremble.

My eyes widened in panic. "Maria, Maria, what happened to you?"

"Doctor! Doctor! My mom is hurt! Maria, hold on!"

Tears slid down my cheeks as I saw the...