Her parents appeared and the four walked back home in the street; for Anne to use the sidewalk would leave crimson footprints on it.
Her father suggested dragging her; her mother gave him a sharp look and he said he was only joking.
Anne was glad of that. She did not think she could survive the experience. Her father had an odd sense of humor.
Or perhaps he was reminding her of her status. She needed that now and then and silently thanked him. He might still have some lingering trace of affection for his daughter.
And he was right, she thought; she really was just a piece of trash. She *should* be dragged home through the streets.
Michelle took her into the back yard, hosed the dirt off her body and applied alcohol to her wounds. The antiseptic burned like fire from her neck to her knees, but the light touch of her sister's hands was heaven.
Her father told Michelle that on Odette's advice he bet on her and won a large amount. Anne was pleased at this.
Downstairs Michelle hung her up and fed her paste, her first food since morning. She took it eagerly and her sister told her not to gobble; Anne blushed at the chastisement.
She went upstairs and Anne was left to her thoughts. What followed was a dark night of the soul for Anne, perhaps her worst; her father's words haunted her.
She fell into an agony of self-disgust for what she had become. Beaten in public for the entertainment of strangers and pulled around the arena like an animal; for this she had thrown away career, dignity, honor, respect.
She deserved to die but she could not ask for it. She had no right, her body and soul belonged to others. Besides, naked and bound she was unable to hurt herself; her masters had wisely put such actions out of her power. But oh, if someone would come and end her shame...