A Slap of Reality

“Mom! Mom!” Helena grasped Beatrice's hand, placing her ear close to the latter's lips. “What do you want to say?”

However, Beatrice found herself unable to speak. In the end, she couldn't even cry out, only managing some hoarse gasps.

Helena was so anxious that tears streamed down her face. She snapped her head around and shouted, “Coraline, stop yelling! Grandma is speaking! This might be her la