With a few well-chosen words, Kayla regained control of the situation. She offered a plausible explanation, portraying herself as the victim and eliciting sympathy. This effectively deflected attention from her actions.
Once Kayla finished speaking, Myra's expression softened considerably. The explanation made sense. Myra reminded herself of the effort she'd invested in raising Kayla—the love, the energy. Kayla was kind, innocent, naive, adorable—not the cold, ungrateful person Myra had imagined. Myra gradually convinced herself.
She briefly recounted the previous night's events, omitting the rescue by the girl in black, mentioning only the police intervention. Kayla eagerly moved past the subject. Though she sensed Myra and Dexter's good fortune, she didn't inquire further.
Myra continued, "Your dad is injured and in the hospital. He needs care. I'll pack clothes and go. What about you, Kayla?"
"I'll go too, Mom," Kayla replied.
"Good girl," Myra smiled with relief.
At the hospital, Dexter remained unconscious. To demonstrate her care, Kayla prepared warm water and gently wiped Dexter's face, dabbing his cracked lips with a cotton swab. These small acts showed her genuine concern. Myra felt reassured.
"Mom, you've stayed up all night. Rest now. I'll care for Dad," Kayla said thoughtfully.
Exhausted, Myra nodded. "Alright, I won't go far. I'll nap at a nearby hotel and return later."
Kayla nodded obediently.
The moment Myra left, Kayla's smile vanished, replaced by irritation. She'd assumed Dexter, once Khogend's wealthiest man, could rebuild his fortune. But his near-fatal beating, and their constant fear, revealed a bleak reality. There was no future with the Fullers. She needed a better path. Frustration welled up. The map was her ace, but she couldn't decipher the constellations.
She decided to divide the map and seek help interpreting the sections. Seizing the opportunity, Kayla took out the map, held it to the light, and prepared to cut it.
Just then, a hoarse voice questioned, "Kayla, what is that in your hand?"
Startled, Kayla turned to find Dexter awake. His eyes, clouded yet focused, were on her and the map.