January 23, 1692 Dear Little Book, Reverend Samuel Parris preached today at prayer meeting and I went and sat with Father and Mother in our usual pew. I could not concentrate on the sermon because I imagined all those in the church were talking about me in whispered voices. What if Thomas Johnson, that wretched, mean boy, has been spreading rumors about me? I saw him as we were entering the building, smiling as if he has some power over me. After church, people were standing around talking about Martha and how she continues to claim someone invisible is pinching her. Anna Paxton, of course, had to interrupt to say, " I would not be surprised if Martha's friend, Rebecca, starts to act in the same manner! Those girls share everything, perhaps they even share secrets of witchcraft!" My mother rushed to Anna and immediately began arguing with her in my defense. "Anna Paxton, you'll hold your tongue!" Mother shouted. "How dare you accuse Rebecca of witchcraft!" Oh, I'm so frightened! What if everybody in Salem agrees with Anna?