Chapter 22

Before Victoria left the house, she grabbed the journal she had hidden. She knew Saya was probably sound asleep, but she went to the house anyway. Anne Bell greeted her at the door with flour on her chin.

“Morning, Miz Victoria, come on in. She is still sleeping like the dead, but you can visit with her.”

“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” she said, stepping into the house.

“No chile, I’m getting a head start on lunch for the men and baking an apple pie for supper,” Anne said over her shoulder as she went back towards the kitchen.

Victoria closed the door and went straight to Saya’s room. The girl was comatose. Victoria kissed her forehead, and she stirred, but she didn’t wake up. Her skin was cool to touch, and she looked like an angel, with her hair going every which way. She pulled a chair beside the bed and opened the journal. Before she could start to read, Anne popped her head into the room.

“Ain’t no point in messing. She gonna be just fine. Come i