“Please, Hashem,” she whispered, “give me the ability to help Devory. She has so much pain inside"
Devory’s hands curled tightly around her steaming cup of cocoa. “No.” Her one-syllable reply filled the kitchen.
Mrs. Weiss lifted her mug and grinned. “It was worth a try.” She took a sip and flinched. “Ooh!” Her fingers pressed against her mouth. “That burns.” She stood up and went to the sink. Devory watched her turn on the cold water and dab her lip with it.
“I didn’t realize how hot the cocoa was.” Mrs. Weiss returned to the table and sat down.
Devory noticed a red mark above her stepmother’s lip but didn’t say anything. She lifted her mug and drank. “Ow!” The cup dropped from her hands, splattering on the floor.
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