m throbbed where Brend

city of the demand and the physical assa

," Sarah said, her voice l

demand things li

w mom anymore; she w

oing to happe

ily taken aback by Sar

ted tears, or a f

rah to stand her gro

e posture faltered

y crack, but

renda' s personal space, mirr

rous whisper. "You will never approach me again. You will never speak to

da' s eyes w

hing she never thoug

a's wrist, the one that had gr

, a small, su

?" Sarah pressed,

ne cry of pain this ti

leased h

tching her wrist, her fac

lp my son," Brenda stammered,

eyes darting around the pantr

Sarah repeated, her

ist, turned and practi

' s work friend from the mar

ah' s pale, shaken face an

ed? You look like y

, taking a deep breath. "You wou

said, her expr

The bizarre request, the talk

r eyes growing wid

finished. "That's... that's Brenda Kow

? What do

cult pregnancy with Kevin. Then Kevin was born with severe disabilities. Her h

a knot forming

really weird rabbit holes. Fringe 'natural' remedies, miracle cures. She's become

statement," Sarah mut

here, about two years ago. Emily. Brenda harassed her relentlessly. Kept trying to get

nt down Sa

olated incident.

s a known

his before?" Sarah

s very good at playing the victim card. Single mo

t a sinki

up to Brenda,

e thought she ha

confident than she felt, "I think I mad

y. "I hope so, Sarah. I really do.

a seed of doubt