21. Think it through

As Katherine lay on the bed that evening, her mind was consumed by Mrs. Rojas's words and the unsettling revelation about her family's alleged betrayal. Tears continued to trickle down her cheeks as she cried with the profound sense of betrayal and fear that gripped her heart.

Even though her family tried to kill her one part of her couldn't just do what Mrs Rojas was asking her to do, it was wicked and heartless, but she didn't want to appear weak to them either.

Beside her, Katie, her young daughter, stirred and noticed her mother's distress. "Mommy, what's wrong?" Katie asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Katherine wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Oh, sweetheart, it's nothing. Mommy's just a little tired," she replied, her voice strained.

Katie frowned but didn't press further, snuggling closer to her mother for comfort.

After a few moments, Katherine gently kissed Katie on the forehead and whispered, "Let's get you to your room, sweetheart."

Once Katie was settled in her own