He never expected me to be strong overnight.

He simply made sure I always had a safe place to stand while I remembered how.

As he and Ruby walked to the truck, she turned back and waved. “Bye, Mom! Don’t forget to eat dinner!” “I won’t!”

I watched them drive off, then went back inside. The refrigerator hummed quietly in the peaceful house.

It was full. The pantry was too. The bills were paid, the doors were locked, and no one else controlled the money I earned.

Travis had believed that taking everything would leave me no choice but to obey him.