Soon after a social worker came to our home, telling me she had received a complaint - I was beating you and not feeding you. I made you both strip down to your panties, along with a lot of crying, because I'd taught you not to let anyone see you without your clothes on but me. I bet they could have heard you a mile away.

Anyway, I left the room so she could ask you questions. She was perfectly satisfied nothing wrong was going on but told me when she left, if she received anymore calls the state would take you. I asked who called and she said, that's confidential information and none of your business. The caller didn't have to give a name.

Dumb me, I thought that was the end of it. Little did I know what was coming. She returned. She threatened me and I told her to take her ADC and shove it, and the first person who tried to take you wouldn't have to worry where they were going to sleep that night. Then, panic set in. I don't know if you remember the woman you used to call Aunt Doris, but she and her husband and children were our very good friends. I asked them if I gave them all our furniture, 5 rooms, if they would accept that as payment to take care of you until I could get a job and a furnished apartment. All I wanted was your beds.

When I explained what was happening they were more than happy to help us out. I told her I would go to Chicago and stay with Rose and her family. I had worked there before and had a decent job so I figured we'd get away from Peoria and be safe.

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