"She pushed me!" Molly shouted, pointing at Helena. "She pushed me because I saw her and John in the cellar."
Helena cried even harder, but Molly didn't care. Hateful Helena deserved to get in trouble for what she'd done. Molly hoped Mama Becky gave Helena a spanking right here.
To her surprise, Mama Becky shook her head and said, "Molly, I've warned you about lying. I want you to apologize to Helena right now."
"I'm not going to apologize! She pushed me."
"Pushed her? I wouldn't ever hurt her," Helena said.
"She's taken quite a fall. Her mind is playing tricks on her. I'm sure tomorrow she'll come to her senses. Won't you?"
"She pushed me! Why won't you believe me?"
Mama Becky brushed hair back from Molly's face to kiss her on the forehead. "Sweetie, I know you think Helena pushed you, but it's just your imagination. She saved your life. You should be grateful to her."
"I hate her! And I hate you!" Molly leapt from the bed, shoving Mama Becky away as she ran from the bedroom. She ran into the forest until she couldn't hear Mama Becky calling after her anymore. Only then did she realize how cold she was without a coat or shoes. But she wouldn't go back. Not now or ever.