Chapter 5

I called the police and filed a report against Jennifer for intentional injury.

The authority graded it as a minor, second-degree injury.

Consulting with a lawyer, I learned that Jennifer's sentence would be lenient because she was a minor.

However, her imprisonment wasn't my goal; that would be a mercy for her.

The lawyer warned me that Jennifer's family might seek a lenient sentence, possibly asking for a letter of understanding.

True to his words, Doris and Jennifer appeared at my door after my discharge from the hospital a few weeks later, pleading for my forgiveness.

"Jennifer's just a child; how could you report her to the police?" Doris chided.

I didn't know what Harlan might have told Jennifer, but it was clear she persisted in believing I was the mistress.

"Mom, don't beg her!" Jennifer's voice was laced with disdain. "Her baby was nothing but an illegitimate child who should have never seen the light of day!"

"Odelia, you can mistreat me all you want, but you can't c