With her back to the stove, Elaine shakes her head at Ben over something that seems trivial. He steps closer to her, and could be talking, but I can’t tell because I can only see his back. Then he hits her with an open hand, full to the face. I fall sideways into the hedge, break a branch going down, and then have to hang on to it to stop myself running in to defend her. I try to tell myself this is not my business and that nothing will be helped by a surprise visit. I do not know what is going on here. He was Tito’s uncle. He helped them find the farm and to relocate when they were desperate. Is he helping her with something now? To fight the Vasilievs? Or is he controlling her? Either way, they have to be involved in the boxes. They want what is in those boxes, even if they don’t know what’s in them. Perhaps Elaine has her own plan, or has committed her own crimes. Nevertheless, my heart is insistent in my chest, and I know if I am capable of doing good for someone else, this is the time and place — whether Elaine wants me to or not.

With one hand she is holding her cheek where Ben hit her, and with the other she clings to the stove. Ben remains close to her, and looks like he will do it again with only the smallest provocation. Now she tosses her hair back and stands tall. I have the stupid thought of my rifle and of what I could do with it. Could I really shoot Ben? But I don’t have my rifle, and I do need to do something. Ben’s open hand moves out from his side, and I get to my feet and then duck down again. I cannot sit here and do nothing.