CHAPTER SIXTEENMallory
May 5, 2016 – Dusk
All the women come into the house late in the afternoon, calmer than usual because of the men’s absence. Most of them gather clothing and personal items for bathing. As I walk into the bedroom, they turn to look at me, and I know they want me to distract or negotiate with the guards to let them have time in the main house to bathe and wash clothes. I know this because they have each put something on my bed. This is a way we communicate with each other. There are some small food items on my bed, as well as a scarf and piece of soap, and even a small bottle of lotion. I wonder where someone found that. Maybe she took it from the main house the last time she was there, or from the children’s quarters.
With a squeamish feeling in my stomach, I undre
