Her smile faltered.

I carried Clara to the car while our son rested strapped against my chest. My mother followed us onto the porch, yelling about respect, family, gratitude.

I never answered.

I only looked back once.

She stood in the doorway of the house she believed she controlled.

And for the first time in my life, she looked uncertain….

Part 2

At the hotel, Clara slept for fourteen straight hours.

The doctor said exhaustion, dehydration, stress, and dangerously low blood sugar had pushed her body beyond its limits. When he asked how long she had been denied proper rest, Clara turned her face into the pillow and cried silently.