Freedom beats bandage anyday! Opal use to walk on egg shells with high heels to avoid being abused from her husband Ted. She left him 4 times, and came back 4 times. Her daughter Imani saw it all, the police department knew her by name, she stopped going to church because she was ashamed. Like many women, they think their children don't know but oohh do they know. Whew, this book here is heavy. Opal became a shadow mother. When Imani turned 18 she left for college and never returned. I dunno why Opal stayed but she did. The insecurities.....on both sides is crippling, literally and figuratively. The possession and illusion of control is disgusting. One day she couldn't take no more beatings and tongue lashings and left. She ended up at a shelter. Which turn out to be the best decision she made. She was able to get help, made friends, bought a house and helped other women by letting them take shelter in her home. Of course Ted, came looking gor her and was mad as you know what because he lost his control, his power. He never saw his wife happy, and standing up yo him. Opal had a difficult but needed conversation with Imani about her abusive father and not falling for the same type of men. Although sad, it's a refreshing book. It shows that it doesn't rain all the time. Sheila Williams' visualizing descriptions keeps me hanging on for more, they are all truly something else. #Book8of2021 #bookworm #whatsnext