“Mom, how are you feeling?” Vera finally let out a breath of relief as she saw Carla open her eyes.

“What are you doing back here?”

“I came as soon as I got Mae’s call.” Vera tucked the blanket around Carla’s shoulders.

“Are you feeling any pain?” Vera asked again, concern etched in her voice. “A little dizzy,” Carla replied, her words faint and breathless, her whole body weak.

“The doctor said that’s normal. You need to rest for the next couple of

days.”

Carla didn’t answer, her eyes drifting around the room.

“He didn’t come.”

Carla almost looked relieved.

“Mom…” Vera hesitated, her lips pressed together. “Let’s get a divorce.”

Carla blinked, silent, but she understood exactly what Vera meant.

“I’ll take you to the city. Maybe there’s still hope. The doctors here said it’s nerve damage and their technology just isn’t advanced enough. But in the city, there might be a chance.”

to move, but she reached out and

I’m the one who’s been holding you back

why Carla would rather endure the blows than leave. No matter how many times Vera pleaded, her mother only smiled and shook her head, insisting she was fine, stubbornly staying put in

10:04

Chapter 39

small village.

All of it–for her.

the city, she’d become a burden. Worse, if Hamlin used searching for his wife and daughter as an excuse, he might find Vera’s address or workplace, and then Vera’s entire life would be ruined by this

herself to

Vera.

ahead–Vera deserved to be free. Carla had never known freedom herself, but her

stronger, Carla thought, maybe she could sever the rope tying Vera down. But no matter how far or high her daughter

I’m not afraid. I’ll hire a lawyer, and I’ll find you the best doctors. Please, divorce him. Come with

flowed freely, each one striking Carla’s heart like

insults for her daughter’s sake, but in the -end, she’d

go with you.” Carla spoke each

bring, but now that there was hope, the heaviness in her

quickly, and before long she was

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