My Sister Thought It Was a Joke… Until the Doctor Reported an Assault”

I wanted to scream.

But when I opened my mouth, nothing came out except a weak, shaking breath.

The restaurant lights suddenly felt too bright. The chatter around the room had turned strange and distant, like I was underwater and everyone else was speaking through glass.

“Claire, you’re not fine,” Tessa said firmly. Her voice had lost every trace of politeness. “You’re bleeding.”