I only shook my head, anxious, trying to explain to them.
“It's not like that.”
“I'm going on the blind date of my own free will.”
“Reginald isn't ungrateful. He's been good to me.”
I pretended not to see the pity in the neighbors' eyes.
I only told myself, in my heart,
that this was already the best outcome there could be.
On the agreed-upon day, Reginald gave me a bath and dressed me in pretty clothes.
Then he took me to the blind date.
“Priscilla, I've lined up ten men for you to meet. Look them over carefully. You're bound to find one you like.”
"I'll be waiting outside."
I clutched the hem of my dress and nodded, nervous, and Reginald walked off, satisfied.
I steeled myself and waited for the men from the date to come in. But I never expected them to have vile intentions toward me.
"Well, well, a little cripple."
"Pretty face, though. Shame she's a broken thing."
"Why don't we sample the goods today and have ourselves some fun."
One filthy hand after another reached out toward me.
A vast terror rose up, threatening to swallow me whole.
"No, stay back, please, I'm begging you..."
I fought with everything I had to get away.
But my wheelchair had been locked, and I couldn't turn it to escape.
Just as they reached out to tear my clothes off,
my hand found the phone beside me, and I called Reginald like a drowning woman grabbing at straw.
The call connected, and Reginald sounded as though he'd knit his brows.
"What is it now?"
"Priscilla, you can't stand it if you go a little while without contacting me, is that it?"
And on the other end came May's voice.
My whole body went rigid. So they were out on a date together.
This call of mine was interrupting them.
But the fear, the terror, spread through every inch of my body.
"Reginald, help me!"
"They're going to..."
"Enough!"
Reginald suddenly flew into a temper.
"I know you don't like that I'm seeing May, but you can't keep trying to control my whole life."
"You did save my life once."
"But that doesn't mean I have to hand over the rest of mine to you."
"If you pull one more of these cheap little stunts to get my attention,"
"believe me, I'll block you and never take your calls again."
Before I could explain or argue back, he hung up first.
Reginald, I'm sorry.
It seems I've disturbed you again.
But this time, I'll show everyone with what I actually do.
Priscilla Fox is no coward.
Even a cripple can protect herself.
Right then, I lifted my eyes, cold, and looked at the men in front of me.
I tightened my grip on the knife hidden behind my back...
