Before I could react, the door swung open, and an icy basin of footbath water came splashing over me.

Instinctively, I squeezed my eyes shut as the filthy water streamed down my face.

When I wiped it away and looked up, there she stood in the doorway—hands on her hips, spitting words as sharp as nails. “You little tramp! Tonight, you’re going to stay outside and reflect on your sins!”

With that, she slammed the door shut, leaving me soaked and ...