The little bell above the door of Sherly's flower shop jingled as Kalisa pushed it open with her shoulder, half-dragging Justin in behind her. The sweet scent of lilies and roses wafted through the air, but it did nothing to cover the sharp tang of blood and sweat clinging to Justin's clothes. He stumbled, still clutching his ribs.
Sherly looked up from behind the counter, her hands still covered in soil from repotting orchids. For a moment, her eyes softened at the sight of Kalisa but when she saw Justin, they hardened instantly. She dropped the little spade she was holding with a clang.
"Are you out of your mind?" Sherly hissed, storming forward. "Why would you bring him here, Kalisa? Why in God's name would you bring him here?"
Kalisa didn't flinch. She shoved Justin onto one of the chairs by the wall. He groaned but said nothing. "Because," Kalisa said, her voice steady, "he would be dead if I hadn't. And I'm not about to leave him bleeding in the street. Not yet."
