Perry opened her eyes to a ray of sunlight falling on her face. She'd slept better than expected. Outside, dogs barked, and chickens and ducks made their usual noisy racket. Smoke curled up into the morning air, bringing with it the mouthwatering smell of food.
She pushed back the quilt and sat up. Still wearing the clothes she had on yesterday, she checked the glass bottle propped against the door—it hadn't moved, which meant no one had come in during the night. That thought gave her a bit of peace. She got up and stepped outside.
She wore the floral cotton blouse Dora had given her the night before—her own clothes were far too filthy. The outfit was simple, but it couldn't hide her elegance and natural beauty.
Dora was already up and had breakfast ready. Life in the mountains
