The baby was Emily.
We had been sisters long before we became neighbors.
Margaret explained that Rebecca was her younger cousin.
She’d married Daniel Whitmore at twenty-two.
At first, he appeared charming and devoted.
But after their daughters were born, he became increasingly controlling.
He monitored Rebecca’s spending, questioned her friendships, and discouraged her from working.
Eventually, she began secretly preparing to leave.
She stored important papers with Margaret and saved money whenever possible.
One evening, Daniel discovered her packed suitcases.
They argued.
A neighbor called for help.
Rebecca escaped
