Shame rises again, and oddly, Judith"s unease as Bruce"s captive is my own. I place the journal on the couch and scrutinize Bruce"s gift to Judith. I"d always thought Judith bought the home. Now, for the first time, I understand her extreme love for this place. This was their escape, the place Bruce proposed, a token of his affection. What I once thought Aiden and Judith"s haven from the city, I"ll never see the same again.
Outside, winds gather force, moaning and wailing around trembling walls. Stormproof windows cave and swell faster than my heart. Wide-awake with no desire to sleep, I curl under the throw and prepare for a long night. Judith"s diaries are the only escape from Kayla"s death and the storm. I sigh deeply and turn the page.
December 11, 1972I woke surprised to find an emp
