"And not to mention…" Olivia's voice grew softer, her gaze distant as though staring into the past. "Having you around back then...as a baby. Two women raising a child in a world like that…"
Her lips pressed together, quivering faintly before she went on.
"People said such awful things about us, Kafi. They spoke out against us constantly, whispering, gossiping, saying it was unnatural for two women to raise a child together. Some insisted it would be better if we just married men and let you go, as though...as though you weren't worth fighting for."
Her voice caught slightly, and she shook her head with a small, bitter laugh.
"They said we were selfish. That we were ruining your life. They spread so many rumors, so many vile, hateful lies about us. Even some of my own family…"
She trailed off, her hand lifting briefly as though to brush away a memory.
