Chapter 44

In the bedroom. Cecilia's consciousness was severely blurred, despite being physically exhausted. Yet, her mind was still troubled about Gladys, and she slept restlessly. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she opened her eyes and, after a moment of confusion, saw the gray-white ceiling. Before she could figure out where she was, Cecilia heard Gladys' cries. Gladys? Cecilia adjusted her clothes and hurried to the bedroom door, pulling it open. Just as she stepped out, she heard Gladys' choked plea, "Dad, please don't hit me, okay?" Her voice was pitiful, suppressing sobs, each word trembling, enough to startle anyone who heard it. Cecilia's mind went blank, and she blurted out, "Gladys!" She stumbled downstairs, only to see Alston's raised hand, from Cecilia's perspective, seemingly aimed at Gladys' face. Gladys was facing Cecilia, her forehead bruised and bloody, with dried blood streaking her entire forehead. Cecilia's body trembled. For three years, she had cared for Gladys meticu