Congrats on the 900, here's the full clean version:
Uma kept trying and trying as tears started to form.
"..."
No, no, no, no — come on, please.
"..."
Tears were fully flowing now as Uma collapsed onto the ground, which made Ms. Red and Mr. Blacksmith immediately shoot up from their seats.
Uma's chest hurt. Suddenly everything hurt. She wanted to throw up — she tried, the gagging made no noise.
Ms. Red immediately pulled her into a tight hug, her fingers running through Uma's hair. Mr. Blacksmith stood there unsure what to do, like a panicked father trying to understand his daughter.
Uma broke. She started to cry hard, and the fact that no noise came out only broke her more.
Please... give me anything... a squeak, something. She begged in her mind, yet nothing came out.
Adding to her sorrow, the spot where she'd been slashed suddenly started to hurt. Images of that night flashed through her head and she started to choke — that feeling of blood in her throat returning.
I — I can't.
She was losing consciousness when suddenly a giant hand slapped her back. It both shocked her and brought her back. She didn't even realize it, but her neck was bloody — she'd been scratching at it.
Turning around, she saw Mr. Blacksmith standing there like a child who'd been caught, his palm red from the impact.
She looked around. She was still in Ms. Red's arms.
R-right... I'm in the kitchen. She turned to face Ms. Red, who had a sorrowful expression, staring at Uma with pity. Her arms tightened as she barked something at Mr. Blacksmith and he ran off.
They both sat there on the ground as Uma's chest rose and fell, her breathing finally steadying under the tight embrace.
Soon enough Mr. Blacksmith came back with a bundle of bandages. Ms. Red helped Uma up, holding her hand even as they stood.
She was guided out of the kitchen. Looking around, she saw familiar rows of books.
T-the library?
Ms. Red squatted down and began to wrap Uma's throat, speaking in what sounded like a gentle voice. Uma didn't know what she was saying. She didn't care anymore.
She just sat there like a doll on display. A messed up, damaged doll, she thought.
Ms. Red spoke up, trying to get her attention, and placed a children's book in front of Uma.
You want me to read? In a time like this? Uma judged internally, but Ms. Red gave her a look a mother would give — one that compelled her and left no room for argument. It was a storybook. Uma flipped through it, hardly making out more than a few words before handing it back.
"The."
That made Uma jump. W-what—
What Uma had failed to realize was that she had just understood Ms. Red. Which Ms. Red had clearly clocked too.
She ordered Mr. Blacksmith somewhere with a word, and he promptly left. Ms. Red took a seat next to Uma and handed her another book.
"Slow."
She said it as she opened it and pointed to the first word.
Like hell. Uma scoffed internally and tried to stand up to leave — but Ms. Red put a hand on her shoulder and with surprising strength held her in place, sending her back down into the couch.
Uma was terrified to look up from the book. A bead of nervous sweat dripped down her neck as she buried herself in it, really taking her time on each page. By the time she was done she tried not to look up at Ms. Red as she handed it back.
In her peripheral vision she could see Ms. Red smiling — that type of smile that seems kind but Uma could tell was quietly judging her.
"Good."
Ms. Red handed Uma another book and she read that one too.
"Food."
Uma kept reading scared like a daughter being forced to hang out with her mom, and Ms. Red kept repeating words.
What the hell am I doing. Uma's hands tightened on her thighs. I can't speak and this woman is making me read?! There are more important things, dammit.
But... it does kinda feel nice. She's being really helpful...
Ms. Red walked back into the room with two cups of warm tea. She set one next to Uma and took a sip from hers as she handed Uma another book.
They continued reading, and after a long while of fairytales and burning her tongue on tea, Uma's eyes grew heavy. She yawned silently and drifted off, her head coming to rest on Ms. Red's shoulder. Before she fully succumbed to sleep she caught a glimpse of a gentle smile on Ms. Red's face.
Maybe. Maybe this situation... isn't so bad.
When Ms. Red saw Uma fully fall asleep she set her tea down and shifted carefully, standing up slowly so as not to disturb her, then gently set her head down on a pillow. She walked over to a nearby chair, took the blanket draped over it, and covered Uma with it.
Seeing her peaceful slumber, and feeling a deep sorrow for the girl, she kissed her own hand and pressed it gently to Uma's forehead, then swept the hair from her face.
"Rest well, Little Ghost."