A mix of pity and guilt. "From now on," he said, his voice a command, "please don't bother her again!"
Old Mr. Shaw knew he was in the wrong and mumbled an inarticulate response.
"Choose Ruth, or choose me. Tell me now," Titus Shaw said, bringing the conversation back to his ultimatum.
"Well..." Old Mr. Shaw was torn. 'How can I choose? They're both my own flesh and blood.'
"Dad, I won't make this difficult for you. I'll leave on my own," Ruth Shaw said, turning and walking out the door.
Old Mr. Shaw sighed.
'To think a perfectly fine brother and sister would end up like this.'
Titus Shaw followed her. When he saw Ruth head toward Iris Yates's hospital room, he strode over and pushed his way in.
Ruth Shaw barely had time to react. "T-Titus."
Titus Shaw slapped her across the face. SMACK.
The sound echoed through the hospital room.
