How? Why? I'd only wanted to keep Pearl from biting Melinda for fear the shock of the pain may make her drop my beloved daughter. Had I suceeded? No,I'd only hurt my poor baby and made a fool of myself! The hate Melinda showed to me then only hurt me further.

Pearl began to laugh almost in spite of herself it seemed,when only a moment ago she had been screaming. Tears leaked from the corners of my eyes as I realized. She was proud of her defeat of...