Emily had never done anything outrageously wrong in her entire life. She had never called anyone a bad name or stolen anything, never even lied.

Then why must she be tormented? Why did Ann do this to her? How can you hate a girl that does no wrong? Was it, perhaps, because she had never done wrong? It finally dawned on her: Ann told the judge Emily was a witch simply because she was jealous. All the adults loved Emily. So Ann became “possessed” so that they would pity her and give her attention.

Emily struggled against the ropes, but decided it was no use. She was going to die, and she had done nothing do deserve it. As the fire rose up and licked around Emily’s legs, it was all she could do not to cry out in pain. She looked at her mother through her tears and saw that she was weeping. Emily screamed a final time as the flames consumed her.

Ann Putnam watched the spectacle with a malicious grin on her face. Another “witch” expunged from Salem, she thought happily.