Chapter 11

Violet pulled herself out of bed before she was prompted to. Every inch off her body ached. Her head throbbed mercilessly. Dressing and washing for the day, she came downstairs to see Charlie cooking porridge. Charlie looked up, surprised.

“Oh—!” She turned, wiping her hands on her apron. “Good mornin’ Miss Violet. I was just gonna go check on you. How’re you feelin’ today?”

Violet sat at the table, hands in her lap. “I’m all right, Charlie. I don’t think I’m too hungry though. Just make enough for yourself and Mama.”

Charlie’s face twisted with worry. “You won’t eat nothin’?” Violet shook her head. With a sigh, Charlie turned back to the porridge, hands on her hips. “You should try. Just a bit.”

“No, thank you.”