Chapter 47

• Before I knew it, I was wandering aimlessly through the streets, like I’d forgotten the way home. Soon, the cluster of houses had completely vanished, and I found myself entering an open field, drawn by the sound of running water.
• The sting from the slap grew sharper with every step, while a wave of loneliness flooded my soul. I stopped at the edge of a stream and crouched down, scooping up some cold water and splashing it on my face. Tears streamed from my eyes as I stared at my own reflection in the water.
• It wasn’t perfectly clear, but I could still make out the spot where William had hit me—it was already starting to bruise. How was I supposed to hide that from my grandma?