Chapter 4

I wriggled, trying to free myself from his grip.

But I was too small and too weak.

All I could do was watch as Dad swung the baseball bat with one hand, smashing Mom's tiny mourning hall apart.

He threw me aside in disgust. Trembling, I crawled into the corner, using my body to block his view.

If I couldn't keep Mom from leaving this world, at least I could hold onto the last bit of warmth she left behind.

Dad's pointed leather shoe dug into my stomach.

His voice dripping with the same old contempt, he snarled, "Anna Foster!…