A WEEK LATER, MY LIFE shattered like splintering glass. I knew something was terribly wrong when Jimmy charged into the house shouting my name. Startled at the sudden interruption, I dropped the book I had been reading.

“Miss Willie, come quick!” He staggered into the sitting room. Bending at the knees, he gasped to catch his breath.

I hurried to him. “What’s wrong, Jimmy?”

“Et’s your father, Miss Willie. Dere was a horrible accident. His carriage—”

“What? Where?” My fear rose at the news.

“Jones brought him back. He’s sent for de doc.”

I caught a glimpse of Father’s bloody body as Jones and a slave carried him to his room.

“Find Mammy. And cloths and hot water—prepare for the doctor when he gets here,” I ordered over my shoulder as I hurried down the corridor to Father’s room.

Father’s voice was weak, a gurgling croak as he said, “Willow…find my daughter…”

“I’m here, Father.” I knelt beside him.

His body had been crushed beneath the carriage. As I observed his condition, I feared internal bleeding. The doc will never make it in time. I couldn’t lose him. He was all I had.

“Mammy!” I screamed. Please, someone help me. I looked at my father’s mangled body. Despite our differences, he’d always been a pillar of strength. My eyes roved the room, desperately seeking someone to help me.

“I must tell you something…” He coughed, and blood spattered from his mouth. “You…you must know the truth.” His eyes brimmed with pain…and longing.

“Try not to talk, Father,” I said softly, trailing my fingers along his face.

“No, you must know. I have always loved you. All I’ve done is to…to protect you. I did what I thought was right.” His body convulsed and a moment later, he settled. He gazed past me, focusing on something behind me. “Ben, you must tell her. We have wronged her by…keeping the truth from her.” His hand weakly waved someone forward.

A shadow fell over me and I looked up to see him. The man in the shadows.

“Father, please try to rest.” I knew rest was a lie; he was failing. Tears pricked my eyes as I lifted his hand and kissed it.

“I’m sorry…Willow.” His body stiffened with a wave of pain. “I’m sorry I didn’t share her with you. Like your mother, you are the best of them.” His grip tightened around my hand and a moan escaped him. His eyes closed, then flew open at some memory.

“Ben.” He once again summoned the man beside me with his hand. The man moved closer and bent to hear the words Father whispered. “Get them out. The warehouse…the ship leaves tomorrow.”

His words confused me. Who? Get who out?

Father’s body stiffened once more, then it relaxed as the life left his body.

“Father!” My scream filled the room. My heart pounded in my head, blocking out the sounds around me. “No, please no…” I buried my face in Father’s bloodstained chest. “I’m sorry, Father. I’m sorry for being a disappointment. I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you wanted me to be. I love you…” Sobs carried me away.

“Dere, dere, Miss Willie.” Jimmy placed an ever-constant hand on my back.

“What shall I ever do?” My words were muffled against Father’s chest. “I can’t do this alone.”

“Miss Willie, you ain’t alone,” Jimmy said in a soothing voice.

I was inconsolable. I gave way to my grief. Jimmy led me from the room as the doctor arrived.

In the passageway, I paused when Mammy spoke. “I’m sorry, chile, for your loss. Masa, he was de bes’ masa, and we ’member him so.”

“Thank you, Mammy,” I murmured.