Jacqueline Spann sighed, hoisting the heavy bundle of firewood onto her back and heading home. The moment she stepped through the door, Phoenix Golding tore into her, berating her for coming home late and delaying dinner.
Phoenix Golding's injuries had mostly healed, and she was already back to teaching at school. However, having suffered such a major humiliation, her temper had grown even more volatile. She took her anger out on Jacqueline at the slightest provocation, sometimes even resorting to violence.
"I went to gather firewood right after school. I didn't waste a single minute."
Jacqueline dodged Phoenix Golding's assault, protecting her head with her hands. Her mother pinched her hard several times, filling her with both pain and hatred. The more Jacqueline begged for mercy, the harder Phoenix hit her, her eyes glaring as if at a mortal enemy.
