Chapter 1: The Sting of Truth
The room remained frozen long after the scorpion disappeared beneath the bed.
Evelyn was the first to move.
“Get security. Now,” she ordered sharply, her calm professionalism snapping into urgent action. “And call pest control. That thing cannot leave this floor.”
The nurse bolted.
Daniel didn’t move. His eyes were locked on Marissa — not with anger yet, but with something worse: dawning clarity.
“Noah said something was crawling under his cast,” he said slowly, each word heavy. “He said it hurt. He said it stung.”
Marissa swallowed hard. “He exaggerates—”
“Stop.” Daniel’s voice cracked like glass. “Just stop.”
Noah clung to him, trembling. “I told you, Dad… I told you…”
Daniel held him tighter. “I know, buddy. I know. I’m so sorry.”
Evelyn carefully examined Noah’s arm, her brow tightening. “We need to run tests immediately. There may have been multiple stings. Infection risk is high.”
“And venom?” Daniel asked, panic rising.
“We’ll handle it,” she said firmly. “But right now, I need you to focus on him — not on her.”
That last word lingered in the air like smoke.
May you like
Marissa took a step back.
For the first time, she looked afraid.
