Zora stood with a malicious grin plastered on her face, her voice booming with a mix of arrogance and challenge. "What's the matter, Aaliyah? Scared? I thought you were all tough and mighty, always looking down on everyone. What's got you groveling at my feet now?"
Her words struck a nerve, and inside my head I cursed, "Damn you!" Was I scared of her? No, it was sheer exhaustion that brought me to my knees, and if there was any fear, it was for the safety of my son. But what came out of my mouth was a meek plea, "Yes, I admit it, I'm scared of you, Zora. Would you please put him down? Let's talk this through."
Gasping for air, I tried to speak calmly, my eyes never leaving my little Carl as he reached out for me, tears streaming down his cheeks, crying, "Mommy... Mommy!"
Zora's eyes flashed with fury as she slapped Carl's hand away and yelled, "Shut it! Cry one more time, and I'll throw you off this cliff!"
Carl's crying intensified as he sobbed, "You're mean! I want my mommy!"
The pain in my heart was unbearable as I watched my child suffer. Fighting back my own tears, I glared at Zora, "Don't hit him, Zora. Don't take your anger out on the child."
She roared back, "So what if I do? Even if it means his death, it's just a matter of one move for me."
I was breathless, locked in a stare-down with her until I managed to regain my composure.
"Please... put him down. I'll take his place. You hate me, right? Here I am. He's just a child; he doesn't understand anything. Don't lash out at him," I pleaded, swallowing my pride.
"Not a chance, Aaliyah. You think you're so kind-hearted? I'll make sure you watch how he dies!" Zora was unyielding, taunting me further.
I shook my head and inched toward her, "Stop! It's my fault. Just give me Carl, please..."
Zora took a step back, "No... back off..."
The stones at the edge of the cliff tumbled down as I froze in terror.
My legs felt like jelly, and I was overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness.
Hannah grabbed me, pinching my waist as a warning, "Don't move. Come back! Step back!"
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