Like a Phoenix Rising From the Ashes, Soaring in the Sky

Juliana Shields has been given a second life. In the first, her mother took in Martha Allen and her son Joe out of pity, housing them rent-free for ten years. When Juliana turned eighteen, Martha pushed for her to quit school and marry Joe, then lured her home and had Joe assault her, using photos as leverage. Juliana jumped from the top floor; her mother later drowned herself, while Joe walked free.

Now the phone rings again, and Martha's name lights the screen with the same invitation to collect cookies. Juliana answers calmly, then heads home, where the hallway reeks of Martha's hoarded junk and the tenants seethe. Instead of arguing, Juliana apologizes and proposes they confront Martha together about the mess.

With the women behind her, she unlocks Martha's door and closes it quietly behind them. A commotion stirs in the bedroom, and the door bursts open.