Chapter 22

Mom was quicker than me and grabbed the delivery before I could. As she walked over, she nagged, "CeeCee, you can't eat takeout every day while I'm away!" I nodded while taking the food and repeatedly assured her, "I got it, Mom." Half an hour later, a large rash appeared on my skin, and Mom was shocked when she saw it. "Mom, I think I'm allergic to something," I mumbled as I could feel my tongue going numb. "Oh no! What did you eat? Was it seafood?" On the way to the hospital, I secretly took an allergy pill while Mom wasn't looking, and the symptoms eased slightly. I sighed inwardly. I had to do all this just to stop Mom from falling for that scam. I had been allergic to seafood since I was a child, and each time, it got so bad I needed hospital treatment. Left with no other choice, Mom had to stay by my side. She called the tour group to tell them she couldn't go because of a family emergency. Mom slumped back in her seat, looking as defeated as a wilted flower. "You really