Masking the Truth

Claudia and Talia were both startled. They hadn't expected anyone to come in.

Talia recognized the voice as her adoptive mother, Loretta.

Then she heard Loretta cry out in pain. "Ouch! Why is this damn floor so slippery? My back!"

Claudia and Talia exchanged a glance.

'Did she just slip?' Talia wondered.

"Mom, why are you here?" Talia stood up and went over to help her.

Loretta pretended to be in