READ PART 1 HERE When Maria emerged from the shadows of her village, her heart pounded so hard she feared everyone could hear it. Every sound—the rustling of leaves, the distant barking of dogs, the creaking of a wooden fence—made her stop. She clutched her small bundle of clothes to her chest, wishing she could
Maria was sixteen years old. Most girls her age were still in school, laughing with their friends, dreaming of exams or first love. Maria was already married. Her husband, five years older, had been chosen by her father and approved by the older members of the family. No one asked her what she wanted. They