The cruel treatment from society took its toll. Shunned, unable to work, their father faced rejection and isolation at every turn. The relentless bullying and inability to rebuild his life pushed him into substance abuse, leading to his tragic death—a fate far worse than prison itself.
Mary sat in stunned silence, the weight of the truth sinking in. Esmerelda had known this all along but chose to shield Mary from the painful reality, hoping to protect her from their family’s tragic past. The burden had been too much for Esmerelda to bear alone.