Delicate Disguise (Part II)

Twenty minutes later, an older nurse came into Katrina's room carrying a tray of steaming vegetable soup and sliced bread with butter. She hummed a spirited tune that broke the silence between them. Her hair was twisted into a tight bun, giving her the likeliness of a sweet grandmother.1

"Hello, sweetheart, lets try to get some meat on that tiny body of yours," she said brightly in her Georgia accent, trying to force a smile onto Katrina's face. 2

Shrugging, Katrina said with a sigh, "I'm not really hungry, Mrs. B."3

"Aw, come now darlin', you gotta eat something, you don't want me to lose my job do ya?" Mrs. Boyd set the tray on the table and took a seat next to Katrina.4

"No, ma'am, I don't want that..." Katrina whispered quietly. She curled her feet under herself and stared into the bowl with disgust. The steam swirled up from the bowl dancing in the air and then disappeared into the atmosphere. The aroma was sickening but Katrina placed the spoon into the bowl and began eating quietly.5

Mrs. Boyd smiled with satisfaction. She was finally making progress with Katrina even after almost an entire week. Mrs. Boyd watched Katrina with deep thought. A small girl of only fifteen and she seemed so mature and old for her age.6

The jingling of keys and the unlocking of the door made Katrina place her spoon down. She stared at the door as it opened. Her heart jumped up into her throat and her stomach began to twist into a knot. Dr. Cain stepped through the doorway along with a man and woman. Katrina's parents. The man was dressed in a police uniform and the woman in a flowing yellow summer dress with dark sunglasses.7

Mrs. Boyd stood and greeted the group. "Hello, Walter, how is everything down at the station?" she asked taking the man's hand.8

"Oh, just fine....just fine. Arrested two dealers early this morning but nothing to dramatic," he replied, a wide grin spreading over his face.9

"Oh my, that must be a relief for you!" Mrs. Boyd said smiling faintly.10

Dr. Cain cleared his throat and motioned for the adults to come closer. The four began talking in hushed voices. Katrina sat staring at them. Her hatred was twisted with fear. She did not like this constant whispering. The constant staring. They tried to understand her but only one truly did. 11