30. DON'T GIVE IN

The bed was the best I had ever lay on. The guards had brought the new bed right after dinner and Marcia had ironed and put on the new sheets. I felt as if I was in heaven and I had never slept so peacefully even with my limping heart. I was well rested, not even wanting to get out of bed.

My phone sat on the side table, next to the novels they had bought me. Not only did Slade get me a whole box of romance novels but he also filled my closet along with my toiletries. It reassured me that he did want to take care of his child and I was relieved. At least he wasn't casting us out to fend for ourselves.

“Ma’am,” A knock came at the door.

“You can come in, Marcia,” I didn’t know what time it was but I was sure Slade was long gone for work. It was probably late morning. I was not even ashamed of sleeping so much, my body and baby needed me to recover. I had pushed myself in the last two weeks on the farm.

The door opened and Marcia walked in, a tray of food in her hands. After her, wal