Chapter 116

• Rosie is not present; she is at school, where a temporary teacher is overseeing Nathalie's class while Josh joins her to testify in this harrowing matter. Both Nathalie and Josh have been summoned by Ethan and Elise's lawyer to share their account of what transpired.
• The headmaster, Jefferson Charlston, is also in attendance, but it is a relief that Rosie does not have to witness the proceedings; she is only seven years old, and her testimony was recorded weeks prior. Her therapist and the lawyer conducted the questioning, and the first ten minutes of the trial consist of watching that recording.
• Rosie appears remarkably calm in the footage, but Nathalie recognizes the pain hidden behind her innocent eyes. She has witnessed the outbursts and tears, and hearing Rosie recount how Trevor forced his hands beneath her clothing while threatening her mother's life stirs a profound anger within Nathalie; the desire to strike him swells, and she can only imagine the intensity of Elise and Ethan's emotions.