Lucinda stood in the doorway and said, âNo.
â
After washing his hands, Nathaniel retrieved her slippers from the shoe cabinet, helped her out of her coat and hung it on the coatrack.
Then he returned to wiping the floor.
Lucinda sat on the sofa and watched him clean.
After a few minutes, she said, âCome here.
â
âOkay.
â
Nathaniel washed his hands, approached her, and squatted at her feet.
Lucinda was pleased with his obedience.
She cupped his chin and studied his face.
Now the effects of that terrible medicine had gone, his face was not as pale, and he looked more energetic.
In fact, he looked as though he wouldnât be easy to bully.
With a playful smile, Lucinda said, âI liked how malleable you were after you had been injected with that drug.
Now I want to bully you, but you donât look easy to bully.
How aboutâ¦â
She paused and pursed her Lips.
âHow about you let me inject you with that drug again? I can give you the antidote after I get tired of bullying you.
â
Nathaniel froze.
Why would she say that?
The 023 drug had been unbearably painful for him.
Now there was a new wound on his back, it would only make things even worse.
He said sadly, âIf my pain makes you happy, and you decide to inject me, I will obey you, unconditionally.
â
âReally?â
Lucinda raised his chin and forced eye contact.
Staring at her clear eyes, he nodded resolutely.
She burst into laughter and let go of his chin.
âI was joking.
Iâm neither evil nor crazy.
â