23(a)
My mom was too straightforward, and I was surprised.
I didn't answer, and my mother seemed not surprised. She just said to herself, "To be honest, if I had known that you and Oliver were in this situation earlier, I might not have asked Timothy here. I thought... Forget it."
My mom sighed and continued, "You'd better think it over as soon as possible. Oliver has always been a good boy, but Timothy did nothing wrong. Fiona, I'm your mother. But I can't allow you to hurt others for no reason. I won't force you to do anything, but you'd better make a decision as soon as possible. That's the best way for the three of you."
After saying that, my mom ignored me and continued to cook.
I put the baking paper in a small basket and pick up the pan-fried veal with another fork.
My hand was scalded by the pan because of my swift movements, and I immediately retracted my hand in pain. "Ouch..."