Chapter 74

• With a small nod, I push the fruit further into my mouth, the tip barely grazing the back of my throat before my body revolts. A strangled gag escapes me as I yank it out, coughing as I try to suppress the unpleasant reflex.
• “Try again,” Ruth instructs, her voice steady and patient. “This time, take deep breaths through your nose. It’ll help with the gagging.”
• She demonstrates, mouth forming a wide ‘O’ as she inhales deeply through her nose, exaggerating the movement for my benefit.