Camryn smiled, deeply satisfied. “Is she obedient now, my son?”

“Yes, Mom,” Marvin murmured, eyes glued to the floor.

She lowered herself into the armchair like a queen and ordered a glass of cold water. I hurried to the kitchen, poured it, and handed it to her with both hands, my head bowed.

“Listen to me carefully, girl.” She tapped a long fingernail against the glass. “Your payroll card belongs to me from today. You’ll get up early and take care of my son.

You’ll give up that ridiculous sports nonsense. And by next year you’ll give me a grandchild. In this family, the man rests after work and the woman serves.

The more you learn to bow your head, the less you’ll suffer in this house.”