Dear Diary,

It is just me now. They came and took Maria about a week ago. A man was with them when they came. He looked at both of us and then pointed at Maria. The woman yanked her by the arm and dragged her up the stairs. I think they sold her to the man. I heard her kicking and screaming all the way to the front door. Since she has been gone, things have gotten worse for me. The man comes down here several times a day and does things to me I don't even want to write. Lacey never did come back. I know she is dead. I heard them digging and talking outside the small window late one night. After a while, they threw something into the hole and then covered it up. A bad smell has started to come through the wall in the past few days too. I hear someone coming, so I must close for now. I hope it's not the man. I miss my mom and sisters so much. I am tired of crying and tired of doing the things that make me feel dirty. I wish I were back at home with my mom.

Susie Jackson