Astrid's world shattered as Josh's words sank into her head. She fell to the ground, her mouth a Jr as they stared into Josh's smirking face.
The pain piercing into her heart was like a thousand knives stabbing her repeatedly, each one seeping deeper and deeper into her soul.
"Why?" she whispered, her voice trembling with anguish, she tried to stabilize her lips as she slapped her hands around them.
"Why didn't my mother tell me? Why did you keep this all to yourself? Why didn't you just abandon me? Why?"
Josh burst out laughing, the sound sending more pain into her heart. Julian's face darkened with anger, and he slapped Josh across the face, yelling, "Answer her question!"
Josh's laughter died down, and he pored at Astrid with a look of astonishment.