Introduction

MANY WILL BE OUTRAGED BY THIS STORY. I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE YOU SYMPATHIZE WITH THESE CHARACTERS. I DO NOT CONDONE WHAT THEY DID. I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO GET YOU TO LOOK FROM THE OTHER SIDE.

 

I let out a groan. Why wouldn’t she shut her mouth? It wasn’t my fault she was dead, or the others. It wasn’t my fault. Yet Mother blamed me for all. Like I was some source of her pain. I was the only one left alive. She hated me. Nothing was right. Nothing.

“Ann? Ann!” Mother snapped, jerking the yarn wrapped around my hands. “What did I tell you your job was? Make sure the yarn stays untangled. And look what you did! You are worth nothing. The others should have lived, not you.” Then she launched herself into another one of her pointless, hateful tirades.  A slight knock on the door made me jump. I turned towards my mother, a whine took my tone.

“Mother, please?” I begged, my hand shaking. Mother hesitated before nodding. “Be back before late Young Ann. It is winter, and you shall surely catch your death out there!” I nodded quickly, and raced out the door.

             Mercy was waiting outside for me. An impatient tisk left her mouth. She grabbed my hand. “You are very blessed to be taken. You are but twelve! Why Mary and Elizabeth agreed to let you join.” Mercy shook her head. “Honestly.”

                       I hung my head mournfully for a moment, then looked up and smiled mischievously. “Worry not my friend. For soon, they will be listening to me!”

 My name is Ann Putnam, and I am here to tell you, it wasn’t my fault.

Author's Note

MANY WILL BE OUTRAGED BY THIS STORY. I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE YOU SYMPATHIZE WITH THESE CHARACTERS. I DO NOT CONDONE WHAT THEY DID. I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO GET YOU TO LOOK FROM THE OTHER SIDE.