For a week after that, I kept my head down.
I moved slowly, did my work, and dodged any conversation about Saturday.
The next Saturday, I woke up like usual and fell into my routine.
After breakfast, I was heading back to my room for downtime when I heard Tessa’s voice behind me.
"Mara. Do you want to play cards with me in the staff lounge?"
I turned and nodded.
Tessa and I went to the lounge, we found a seat, and settled in.
In the corner, Beatrice was reading a novel.
Tessa placed the cards on the floor between us. We started playing.
"Mara, Mrs Walker wants your attention in the main building right now," a woman’s voice said. A shadow fell over the cards between Tessa and me.
I looked up and saw the thick woman. My stomach dropped. "Why?"
The thick woman shrugged, tw
