He did not shout. He simply waited. The oldest rider called out, "We're here for the girl. " Taza's expression remained calm. "Her name is Clara. " The man frowned. "She belongs with her family. " Taza looked toward the window.
Clara instinctively stepped backward. Her stepfather noticed her. Claraara, come outside. She froze. That voice had controlled her for years.
Every time she heard it, her body reacted before her mind could think. Taza noticed. He turned toward the window, but did not tell her what to do. Instead, he said quietly enough for her to hear, "You don't have to come out. Clara swallowed.
Her stepfather shouted again. You heard me. For years, Clara would have obeyed. She would have lowered her head, walked outside, apologized, and accepted whatever punishment waited for her. But something had changed.
She remembered Taza's words. You have a choice. Clara slowly opened the door. She stepped onto the porch. Her legs were still weak, but she remained standing.
Her stepfather stared at her. You're coming home. Clara looked at the house behind him. Home? The word felt wrong.
She looked toward Taza. He was watching her, but he wasn't speaking for her. That mattered. Her stepfather pointed toward the wagon. Get in.
Clara's heart pounded. She could hear the old command in his voice. But this time, she answered differently. No. The men stared at her.
Her stepfather laughed. You don't get to decide that. Clara's hands shook, but she remained where she was. I do now. Taza said nothing.
He didn't need to. Clara had spoken for herself. Her stepfather's face hardened. You're confused. This man has filled your head with lies.
Clara looked at Taza, then back at the man who had controlled her life. He didn't tell me anything. What? He asked me what I wanted. The words seemed to surprise even Clara.
Her stepfather scoffed. You don't know what you want. Clara took a slow breath. I know I don't want to go back. The man exchanged looks.
One of them stepped forward. Taza moved only slightly, placing himself between Clara and the riders. His voice remained calm. She has answered. The writers stopped.
Nobody wanted to test him. After several tense moments, Clara's stepfather finally turned his horse. This isn't finished. Taza answered. It is for tonight.
The riders left. Clara watched until they disappeared beyond the hills. Only then did her knees begin to shake. Taza noticed. Sit.
Clara lowered herself onto the porch step. She expected him to tell her she had been brave. Instead, he simply brought her a cup of water. She drank slowly. I thought I would be terrified forever, she whispered.