Nora For what felt like the thousandth time, I silently expressed my gratitude to Madam Harriet, whose salve had worked wonders on my back. After just a few days of rest, the pain had vanished, replaced by a mild itch, the promise of healing. I had been worried about the possibility of unsightly scars, but Madam Harriet had assured me her ointment would work miracles, even fading old scars. Though part of me was skeptical, I secretly hoped her words would hold true. With time, I imagined myself wearing backless dresses, feeling the sea breeze while playing on the beach in bikinis with Charlotte and Lily—if I ever got to see them again. As snowflakes danced outside, I closed my eyes and pictured warm sunshine caressing my face. Once the confinement ended, Clyde and I shared close moments

