Sinth Salvation - Pearl Tate Page 0,2
I look down at it seriously. “I don’t think it’d fit me. Do you?”
Breaking into giggles, Eva throws herself back on the bed, rolling onto her back before bouncing up next to me again. “No! Can I try it on?”
“Of course! I was hoping you’d say that! I’ve been waiting to see it on you since I picked it out in the shop.” Eva’s already yanking off her clothes, throwing her shirt and pants to the side. The woman who sold me the garment assured me the small dress would fit her, and she showed me how all the openings from the neckline, to the sleeves, and even the waist is adjustable.
Holding up the material, I place it over Eva’s blonde head,and help to pull her arms through the long, flared sleeves. I notice how the arm length hits her just above the wrists. “Look at this.” Pulling up the strings on the neckline as the shopkeeper explained, I hold them up. “You can adjust the neckline to come all the way tight or loose and drooping around your shoulders.”
My eyes catch on the dark bruises around the exposed skin of her shoulders as she lowers the top. “Wow! Can I try?”
Swallowing hard, I pass the strings to her little hands with a tight smile. That motherfucker. It’s not surprising, of course. I’ve known Uncle Gunnar was physically abusive for years. It’s just … as far as I knew, he didn’t abuse Eva.
When I received the call six months ago that Aunt Margret had passed away, my first thought was him. Especially when my father told me that she’d fallen in the bathroom, hitting her head on the toilet and slipping into a coma. Within a day, her brain swelled to such a point that she passed away.
Unfortunately, the local authorities didn’t investigate it as a homicide because Uncle Gunnar was at work at the time. What no one mentioned is that this home is rural enough that no one notices if Uncle Gunnar comes home for lunch, which is often. Especially if he’s making rounds, which I’m sure he was.
The only small favor was that Eva didn’t find her. He came home early from work and saved her that atrocity. They didn’t find any other bruising indicating they should investigate him further. Not that they would even if they did, though, since he’s so well-known and respected in the community as a local police officer.
“How do I look?” Focusing on the bouncing bundle of energy in front of me, I smile, letting my mouth drop open in a mock surprised expression.
“Stunning! Turn around, and I can help you with the waist sash.” This dress really is very clever with its adjustable design. She should be able to wear it for years.
“I love it, Lilibeth.” With Eva bouncing in front of me, I struggle to get the bow straight, although I’m not sure why I bother. Eva’s happy no matter what.
“Make sure you say thank you.” Uncle Gunnar’s bloodshot eyes capture mine from where he stands in Eva’s bedroom door. “I’m heading out. Don’t wait up.”
Nodding, I look away, not wanting him to know exactly how fucking pissed I am at him. Right now, there’s nothing I can do, but I intend to change that. With my job here in the city, I should be able to afford a place of my own in no time. I’ve been saving for the last year, making it a matter of finding a suitable place in a good location that won’t disrupt her too much. I’ll get her out of this home if it’s the last thing I do.
“And Lilibeth,” Uncle Gunnar waits until I look up, catching my gaze before he continues. “I’m really glad you’re back.”
I bet he is. Putting on a small smile, I nod slightly, knowing he just wants me around to watch Eva. That’s one of the reasons why I think it’s only a matter of time before I’ll be able to convince him to let Eva come live with me—or at least stay with me all the time. It doesn’t have to be official …
I hear the front door open and close, announcing his departure. “Have you eaten?”
It’s after dinner time, but that doesn’t mean anything around here. She may only get fed when he thinks of it. “Yes, we had Kjötsupa.”
Well, that’s better than nothing, although I’m sure he’s still unfreezing and eating the meals my aunt made and stored in the deep freezer in the