It was almost instantaneous, the change in their behavior and movement. The warmth and kindness that they’d shown toward me when the day started evaporated immediately, and it was replaced by an icy coldness that chilled me to the bone.
It was as if the air itself had turned frigid, and I felt exposed. Without another word, Pamela and Bella hurried to finish dressing me, their movements frantic and disjointed.
It was clear that they couldn't wait to be rid of me, to escape the presence of someone marked by such a symbol of shame and disgrace. And I could see firsthand how everyone who was to come in contact with me from this point would react.
It was something I had to carry everywhere with me, and I completely hated it. They quickly excused themselves and practically ran out of the r
