“So what do you suggest?” Mother asked, truly looking to Jeremiah for guidance. “I suggest we take Nora with us to the church, show that she is part of this family, part of this community. Her presence is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a reminder that now we are whole, that Oxular has brought back my sister into the fold.” My smile was unbearably painful as I was backed into a corner; it felt like little thorny brambles sprung from my cheeks and pricked my lips into a contorted attempt at happiness. I knew what was being implied, and I held no power to work my way out of this. “I think that
...more