I had completely forgotten those records.

Dad hadn’t.

Chapter 4 — The Ring on the Table

Then he looked at Ruby. “Sweetheart, get your rabbit and your favorite pajamas. You’re staying with Grandpa tonight.” She ran upstairs.

Travis came closer and lowered his voice. “If you leave, don’t bother coming back.”

For the first time in years, his warning didn’t frighten me. I looked at the empty refrigerator, at the overdue utility bills stuffed in a drawer, at the man who had taken my earnings, my confidence, and the food meant for my daughter.

Then I slid off my wedding ring and set it on the kitchen table.