You are answering a USMLE-style medical question. Question: The Kozak sequence for the Beta-globin gene has a known mutation which decreases, though does not abolish, translation of the Beta-globin mRNA, leading to a phenotype of thalassemia intermedia. What would the blood smear be expected to show in a patient positive for this mutation? Options: A) Macrocytic red blood cells B) Hyperchromic red blood cells C) Microcytic red blood cells D) Bite cells Reply with ONLY the letter of the correct answer (A, B, C, or D). No explanation.