Betty watched as Emma ascended the stairs in haste, and the sharp pain in her chest intensified.
"Ugh, cough."
"Betty, are you alright?"
Lilian's face tightened with concern as she grabbed Betty's arm, keeping her from collapsing.
Hazel, noticing her pale complexion and the way she clutched her chest, rushed over."What happened, Betty?"
She slipped an arm around her and carefully guided her to the couch.
Betty shook her head weakly, coughing into her hand as she pushed herself back to her feet. Her face had lost its color.
"Hazel, I'll head to my apartment. We'll leave later."
Maria parted her lips to object, but before she could speak, Betty was already making her way to the front door.
Outside the Thomson house, Betty staggered down the street toward her apartment."Ughhh, what the hell is happening to me?"
Her steps faltered. Instead of continuing home, she turned into a narrow alley, bracing herself against the wall, her hand still pressed firmly against her chest.
