away.
That’s when she suddenly pushed me off balance.
Before I could steady myself, I fell into the pool.
The shock of hitting the water left me disoriented.
My injured shoulder hurt as I tried to move.
Fortunately, two nearby guests reacted immediately.
They helped me reach the side and climb out safely.
I stood on the stone patio, drenched and trembling.
My evening dress clung to my legs.
My right arm ached.
And all I could hear was Vanessa laughing.
“Oh, Emily!” she exclaimed. “You should have seen your face!”
I stared at her.
“Vanessa, my shoulder is still injured.”
She lifted her champagne glass.
“Don’t be so dramatic. It was only a joke!”
Several guests looked uncomfortable.
One woman offered me a towel.
Another asked whether I needed medical assistance.
But Vanessa continued laughing.
I turned toward Dad.
Surely he’d say something.
Surely he’d remember the accident and
