Apple Hale finished checking and went back home.
The stench grew stronger as she approached the doorstep.
Apple Hale used to not know, but now she understood more clearly how others felt when they smelled her.
Even she couldn't endure it.
Yet she had no choice but to endure it.
Looking at the door in front of her, Apple Hale hesitated and shrank back, not taking out her key to open the door for a long time.
Inside the house, the sound of her son playing video games was loud enough for the neighbors to hear.
Occasionally, the clinking of bottles could be heard.
Her husband was drinking.
The events of the afternoon made Apple Hale realize that without that little girl, her husband would surely beat her to death.
She was afraid deep inside.
But no matter how terrified, she had to go home.
She bowed her head, her fingers trembling as she inserted the key into the lock.
