Drowning in Misguided Love
While the adults were in the living room, Alina had approached me with a cup of scalding hot water.
She had stared at me, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she said, "If I got burned by the hot water because of you, do you think anyone would still feel like celebrating your birthday?"
Before I could react, Alina had tilted the cup to pour the water onto her hand.
My mind had gone blank, but my body reacted instinctively. I had lunged forward to stop her, and the boiling water spilled onto my arm instead.
The searing pain had spread through me instantly, and I couldn't help but scream. My skin had bubbled and turned red, the burn grotesque and painful.