She’s not throwing up, but her face stays slick with sweat. Her skin has grown pale except for two spots of pink in her cheeks. Her lips are dry. She doesn’t even get out of bed.But I can only think of myself. I hurt all over. Bruises have appeared on both arms, my legs, and across my back. When did that happen? I can’t remember Uncle Hyrum hitting me anywhere but in the face and head. I have a headache that gets worse when the sun shines in my eyes. I draw the curtains and whisper at my sisters, “Let’s keep it down today, okay?”Laura, Margaret, and Carolina are quiet. We work together making breakfast and when I go to step outside and work in the garden, Margaret says, “I’ll do your part today.” I would kiss her, but my lips seep blood.There’s a knock at the door and Mother Claire comes in. She cringes when she sees my face, then glances away.“I’m here to pin that dress to you,” she says.I gather the pieces of material Mother cut out. When did she do this? While she was waiting for me to come back from seeing the Prophet?
