Fiona appeared at the dinner table tonight with a new, bolder and more confident look. She wore a knee-length white dress that flared at the waist. I noticed her cheeks were redder and her lips were glossy. She'd applied some makeup. She looked like a goddess, even with the bruises on her skin.

She was happy. She had a new goal to achieve.

Her sudden change tonight left Erick gaping in surprise next to me.

"I hope I'm not late for dinner."

She kissed me on the cheek and smiled up at ...