night, she finally did.
Before sending her outside, Daniel had taken her phone because, he claimed, she was “too distracted” to shop properly.
When she begged to order the groceries instead, he pointed toward the door.
“Earn your room, Evelyn.”
The nurse handed me Mom’s folded coat. The lining was soaked.
Inside one pocket was a grocery receipt, the ink blurred by melted snow.
She had bought everything Daniel requested, including the expensive steaks.
She collapsed on the way home.
“I’m sorry,” Mom whispered. “I thought if I kept him
