Nichelle stared at Honor. The girl was lounging happily on the floor, working on homework while listening to music. She was still gangly but the suggestion of adult beauty surrounded her.

Nichelle imagined what she would look like in graduation robes. She imagined her in a wedding dress. In a maternity gown. Nichelle felt tears beginning to roll down her cheeks.

Nichelle would never see those things. Honor would never experience them. She was happy and oblivious, caught between childhood and womanhood, never to escape.

Nichelle wondered if she had the right to take that away, from Honor or anyone.

Chapter 47

Chapter 49