Victoria let out a quiet sigh, equal parts concern and reluctant acceptance.
"Just show him, Maya. The sooner he checks it, the better. We can't risk another venomous bite."
Maya gave a tiny, reluctant nod, her entire face still flushed with shame as she waited for the inevitable examination. Inside, her anxious thoughts refused to quiet down.
[The bump is still there… I can feel it every time I move… What if it's already too late? What if Dexter has to touch it to check? What if everyone sees how close it is to…]
Rachel was also worried about Maya. She turned to Victoria and spoke quietly.
"Mrs. Victoria… maybe we should leave Dexter and Boss alone for a moment. It might be easier for her if fewer people are watching."
Victoria hesitated, her expression complicated, then finally nodded.
The two of them stepped outside and moved a short distance away from the bamboo house, standing where they could still hear if anything went wrong but couldn't see inside.
