She made sure not to disturb her husband as she slipped out the bedroom. She stooped in the dark hallway, feeling a heavy burden on her tiny shoulders. She wanted to get rid of it but didn’t know how. Her shame was thick with crimes of the heart.
The chickens had finally come home to roost, she thought.
Hours passed. The tears fell.
Soon the hopeful light of morning shone through the window, embracing Tiara’s face. The dawn of a new day weakened her shame enough for her to stand.