I kept my chin high. I couldn’t let them make me fall.
Naomi glided through the crowd, smiling and collecting sympathy like pearls. When she dragged me over to introduce me to a group of women, she said lightly, “Cassandra’s still adjusting to freedom. You know how hard it must be to start over.”
Laughter followed. I felt my nails cut into my palms. Isaac stood beside her with an expression unreadable, offering me nothing.
One of the women lifted a finger. “Tell me, Cassandra, what was it like in there? It must feel like a breath of fresh air now that you’re not locked up anymore.”
Before I could say anything, Naomi giggled and answered. “Oh do you even have to ask? Look at her! Even though she’s draped in a dress that cost thousands, she still looks like a prisoner!”
The chandelier lights blurred as the entire room laughed. I couldn’t take it anymore, I muttered something about needing air and pushed my way to the restroom.