Chapter 14

Christmas 1866

Emily POV

There were days that I just couldn’t breathe. And other days, I was able to almost forget what I had done. But every day, I rose from our bed, put a smile on my face and did everything I could, to get through the day. I was alone in my guilt, but I wasn’t alone in my grief. I knew the others were grieving our loss, but I didn’t know how to help them, when I couldn’t even help myself.

The first few days, it seemed like everyone was being extra gentle with me. As if, they didn’t know how to act or what to say. I asked Clara about it, and she told me that they were giving me space so I could rest. My body would need to heal before I could begin to allow my heart and soul to join the healing process.

I was grateful and within a few days, my body felt as though it was back to normal. I was glad to see the jail wagon pull away, taking Johnny with it. His presence had kept m