Joseph closed the door and crossed the room to her. He held out the plate of food as if it was a peace offering but Doris only wanted to slap it out of his hands and send every piece to the dirty floor. She’d learned a lot recently about poking at the ones that held power over her. It never ended in her favor—but he looked like he could take a poking or two from her.

Cautiously, Doris took the plate and set it on the bed. “Thank you.” She said.

Joseph smiled at her and bowed his head a little. “My pleasure. I uh, I’ll leave you alone. I’ll...