Chapter 6

• EVELYN
• How he somehow knew about the private conversation Dad and I had still baffled me. I hadn’t seen or heard anything that suggested he was eavesdropping, yet he knew every word. The thought made my stomach churn. How much had he heard? Did he know the full truth? My mind raced as I tried to piece it together.
• I stood in front of my dressing mirror, staring at my reflection. My fingers gently traced the faint red imprint on my cheek from the two slaps he had given me earlier. My skin felt tender, but the pain was nothing compared to the fear that gripped my chest. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced them back. I hated feeling powerless, yet here I was, consumed by dread over what he might do next. Despite my fear, the guilt over lying to him gnawed at me. I only did it to protect Dad, to save him from losing everything. I told myself that repeatedly, as though it might somehow lessen my anxiety.