Content Warnings:
Depictions of past abuse, coercion, and trauma.
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[Long description: Redmond becomes very still, and distant. Her sister, mother, and grandmother gather around her, smiling brightly. She can't seem to bring herself to mirror them.
Redmond, internally: This is a dream, I guess.
She looks around, as if for reassurance.
Redmond, internally: … Is it? Should I be afraid?
My husband was a kind man, then. I was happy on my wedding day. Should I be happy?
My family... They're trying to look happy for me.
Redmond's mother laughs, beaming. She clutches her daughter's shoulder very tightly.
Redmond, internally: But they know that I won't ever come back.
Her grandmother then wags a finger at Redmond, snapping her out of her daze.
Grandmother: Mu piche... One more gift. ]
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October 19, 2019
Hindsight's 20/20.