"Patricia… where do you think this hand is going?"
Attacking someone with words was something anyone would let pass. Patricia might be harsh with her words, but there were some truths in it, so many agreed with her. Patricia was, after all, a victim of a painful betrayal. But for everyone to see how she would suddenly raise a hand when Ginnie talked back, shook everyone to the core.
No one had seen that coming.
No one… except Penny.
How could Penny not? When Ginnie spoke up against her abuser for the first time? Hence, the abuser would intuitively try to regain control over her again. She had seen this many times outside and especially inside prison.
Patricia froze for a moment as if a bucket of ice splashed her when realization dawned on her. She slowly moved her gaze and met Penny's, her breath hitching as she felt like Penny would break her limb by limb if she said the wrong word.