PART 2: BENEATH THE HEAVY COAT
Evelyn gently reached out and stepped between Mara and the crowded market walkway, her experienced eyes locked on Mara’s trembling posture.
Without waiting for permission, the midwife softly unbuttoned the top toggle of the heavy woolen coat, pulling the fabric slightly aside.
A collective gasp left Evelyn’s throat as she spotted severe, dark purple contusions and tight medical bandages wrapped bindingly around Mara’s midsection.
“Mara, who did this to you?” Evelyn whispered, her voice laced with immediate heartbreak and grave concern.
Mara quickly pulled the coat tight around herself again, tears brimming in her eyes as she squeezed Caleb’s trembling hand.
“Please, Evelyn, don’t say a word,” Mara pleaded in a desperate whisper. “If Arthur finds out I spoke to anyone, it will only get worse for us.”
(A desperate journey home leads to a critical turning point! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
