CHAPTER SIXTEEN – BEFORE THE LORD

One afternoon, as she gazed longingly out of her window, an idea struck her. The old oak tree that stood in their backyard had a branch that nearly touched her windowsill. If she could just reach it... Heart pounding, Rebecca carefully opened her window, wincing at every creak. She leaned out, stretching her arm as far as she could. Her fingers barely grazed the rough bark of the branch. "Just a little further," she muttered, leaning out dangerously far. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps in the hallway made her freeze. Panicking, she quickly pulled herself back inside and shut the window just as her mother opened the door. Catherine's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What are you doing, Rebecca?" "Nothing, Mother," Rebecca replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Just... getting some fresh air." Catherine pursed her lips but said nothing more, closing the door behind her as she left. Rebecca sank onto her bed, heart still racing. She knew she would have to be more careful in her es