Chapter 30

• Mother glides towards Sophia with grace and composure, smoothing down her tunic dress. Closing the distance between them, she meets Sophia's gaze, who had ceased crying and transformed from a vulnerable wreck to someone overwhelmed by a chilling coldness instead of pain. Sophia anticipates her mother's comforting touch, words of wisdom, guidance on what to do next, and empathetic solace for her broken heart. She expects her mother's disappointment in Leon's behavior of discarding her.
• Unexpectedly, Mother delivers a resounding slap across Sophia's face, causing her to stagger sideways. Shock echoes through Sophia as she absorbs the impact, as her mother had never laid a finger on her before. Swaying, Sophia crumples to the ground, taken aback by this unforeseen act. Johnny gasps and promptly throws himself over Sophia, offering his body as protection. While the physical ache reverberates through her cheek, it pales in comparison to the disbelief and numbing sensation arising from her mother's physical assault. Sophia gasps, eyes widening in astonishment, cradling her face as her heart wrenches in agony.
• "Mom?" Johnny registers the same incredulity as Sophia, but Mother looms above her, her sudden intent turning deadly serious. She casts an imposing figure, which contrasts sharply with Sophia's expectations of maternal tenderness.