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He wanted logs split, I’d split them. How hard could it be?I lined up a log on the stump, took the ax, and swung. This was a lot harder than I’d thought it was going to be. Every movement sent a fresh jolt of pain to my back, not that I’d show it.

I swung, and then swung again, finally splitting the log more from luck than anything else. I started on another, knowing that only pure stubbornness was going to get me through this day.

Mason laughed as the ax bounced off the third log for the fourth time. The laughter faded and the screen door slammed. At least he didn’t plan on watching me the entire time.

“Look for cracks.” The whisper came from a nearby bush.I scanned the shrubs, and a little face popped up. “The splits, by the edge. Aim for those. It’ll be easier.”

I nodded and looked at the log, doing what the little boy said. It still wasn’t that easy, but it did work better. The log split after two swings, instead of bouncing off repeatedly.

I nodded in the kid’s direction, recognizing his face. He resembled Mason, but he must’ve been a younger son that hadn’t been ruined yet.

“Georgie?” a woman yelled out from behind the house.

The bush rustled as the kid ran to the back of the house.

I went back to chopping wood, swinging the ax until it became almost habit, the world blurring out.

“It’s been all day.Enough.”

Luisca’s voice jarred me from my action. I would’ve jumped, but I didn’t have that kind of energy left. I could barely move, I was so stiff. I turned slowly, thinking she was speaking to me.

“I didn’t tell her to keep going. She just did it. Probably a guilty conscience,” Mason said, standing on his porch.

Ah, not speaking to me after all. The pile of wood was only half done, and I wasn’t going to fight with Luisca to stay. I was barely staying on my feet.

“You’re leaving now.” Luisca grabbed my arm, pulling me forward.

“See you tomorrow,” Mason said, and then laughed.

“I’ll see you in hell first,” Luisca yelled back. “This is done.” She continued to pull me along, as if she let go I’d go back to chopping. “I should’ve stopped you before it even started. I don’t know what I was thinking to stand silent as this went on.”

“I made a deal.”

“Screw the deal. He’s taking advantage, and everyone knows it.” She changed her grip on my elbow and then said, “Look at you! You can barely stand up straight and walk. Sling your arm over my shoulders.”

“No. I can make it. I don’t want anyone to see how bad I am.” It was bad enough I was leaning on her now.

She cursed under her breath but kept us moving. We stepped into the house, and the girls rushed forward.

“Is she going to be okay?” Marina asked.

They were both staring at me, eyes watering. That was when I realized how bad I must’ve appeared.

“I’m fine. I’m just dirty,” I said.

“Why are you bleeding?” Marina asked.

I looked at the arm of my shirt, realizing it was blood-soaked. Some of the scabbing on my back must’ve ripped open. “I scratched myself when I was chopping wood. I’m fine. I promise.”

“Girls, Billie is fine. I need you to go get washed before dinner,” Luisca said, ushering them off.

They hesitated, and she waved her hand toward the kitchen. They both went.

We got to the stairs, and Luisca grabbed my arm, slinging it over her shoulders, carrying half my weight upstairs.

That was when I felt the surge of power flow again.

“Was that you?” I asked, knowing it had to be.