Heirless: The Catfish Queen's Revenge

Heirless: The Catfish Queen's Revenge

Author: Corey Cook

Chapter 5: Whipped, Shamed, and Avenged

Finally, after she was falsely accused of pushing the imposter into the pond, Josie was whipped in public.

They stripped her dignity away, making her an example. The whole town watched, silent and complicit.

Stripped, humiliated.

Her cries echoed through the gardens, but no one came to help. My heart broke all over again, imagining her pain.

Fifteen. Too young. At fifteen, she ended her own life.

Alone, shamed, she saw no way out. I mourned her every day after.

Those who die disgraced aren’t allowed in the family plot.

Even in death, they denied her a place among her ancestors. Their cruelty knew no bounds.

Didn’t even give her a proper grave. Afraid she’d haunt the imposter, they dumped her body at the edge of the old cemetery.

Superstition ran deep in the Heights. They’d rather risk a ghost than admit their guilt.

I hauled a cart to bring her home.

The wheels creaked under her weight, the road long and lonely. I whispered prayers as I walked, promising her peace at last.

When I found her, she was still clutching the locket I’d given her…

My hands shook as I pried it from her fingers. Inside was our picture, faded but smiling. I kissed her forehead and wept in silence.

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