Y ahí estaba. La verdad más completa detrás del vestido caro y los brazos cruzados y la expresión satisfecha. No se había unido a la crueldad porque se sentía poderosa. Se había unido porque tenía miedo de convertirse en su próximo objetivo. El miedo explica su elección. No lo borró.
“No puedes usar a mi hijo como el escudo que les impide elegirte”, le dije.
Natalie nodded. “I understand.”
“No. You understand the sentence. Understanding the damage will take longer.”
She lowered her head. I told her she could not come into my home that night, and could not contact Sophie until I decided it was appropriate.
I also told her that if she believed she was unsafe, she could ask Mr. Palmer to stay nearby while she gathered what she needed and found somewhere else to go. I would not pretend nothing had happened. And I would not abandon her to men who rewarded obedience with temporary protection.
