Chapter 5

Simone was waiting to give birth in Henry's hometown, and life was brutal.

She didn't dare call our parents.

She was afraid they'd tell her to leave Henry.

So she video called me instead.

On the screen, Simone looked completely exhausted.

There was no trace of her old spark or energy.

Her hands, once delicate, were rough and chapped, and even her signing seemed weak.

"Helena, Henry's mother is nothing like he described. It's the dead of winter, and she actually makes me haul a bucket to the river for laundry.

"I'm pregnant, and all I'm allowed to eat is…