Chapter 57

Meanwhile, Yasmin's burn had begun to scab over, but after getting wet in the shower, she had to disinfect the wound and bandage it again. The doctor repeatedly reminded Yasmin not to let her wound come into contact with water. She acknowledged, but Brenda was too worried, so she decided to stay over for the next few days to keep an eye on Yasmin. "It's really not necessary," Yasmin said, feeling like she was intruding on Brenda's married life. "If you keep staying out like this, Mr. Howard might have something to say about it." Brenda scoffed. "He disappears for three or four months at a time, and I don't say a word about it. What right does he have to complain?" Their marriage was a sham. What was the point of setting ground rules neither of them cared to follow? By the time they arrived at Yasmin's apartment, it was nearly midnight. The elevator doors slid open, and the thick scent of tobacco lingered in the hallway. Yasmin had been chatting with Brenda, but the moment she