The Last Mrs. Parrish

by Liv Constantine

Today she felt especially comforted by the books that climbed the walls. They were a reminder that any knowledge she desired was hers for the asking.

She hated the clucking sounds groups of women made, like a bunch of cackling hens.

She wasn’t going to let some society snob screw with her. She’d made sure that the last person who tried that got what was coming to her.

“Sure, sweetie. I’ll stay until you fall asleep. Just rest. I’m right here if you need anything.” Amber smiled. All she needed from Daphne was everything.

Everything had begun with such promise. And then, like a windshield chipped by a tiny pebble, the chip turned into deep cracks that spread until there was nothing left to repair.

I was learning that emotional intimidation could be just as unsettling as physical.

All she’d wanted was the life she deserved. It didn’t occur to her that she had gotten it.