He relaxed the pressure on her face but he did not let her go. Vathana’s eyes cast left, right, hoping to see someone, anyone, who might at least yell, who might scare off the assailant. The corridor was empty. She did not speak. Her mind raced to find words but the pain of his grasp frightened them from her throat. “Tell me,” the man hissed. “Tell me or your baby will never taste your milk again.” He tightened his fingers on her tit and twisted.
“Yes. Yes. He said nothing. Just talk. He said he was afraid.”
The man smirked, then jiggled her as if to shake out, more words. The hospital was crowded yet the hall remained empty. Vathana talked. She told him all she thought he wanted to hear, everything except about the school supplies.
“Listen, Sister. And obey. Be his concubine. Be his w*
