[1561] Cruel Empathy - Chapter 1

Hi! This is a rewrite of the first chapter of my book and I'm really looking for fresh eyes on it.

A little background- I am new to writing. This is my first story and I started it in January. I have 30 chapters so far. I write for fun (hence my username) but I am really trying to get better.

I received a lot of feedback on the previous version of my first chapter and really need people who don't have the story context to read it, just so I know if it makes sense!

Questions:

How is the build up and intensity? I played around a bit with structure-does it work? Did you understand/empathize with the character? Were you engaged?

Any and all other feedback is appreciated.

Thank you!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z85_bvUkHQxypjfyhtHGsLBN8MHcQBrWmeLHrMO3cXM/edit?usp=drivesdk

Critique: https://www.reddit.com/r/DestructiveReaders/comments/130ehfj/1837_unnamed_sothern_gothic_chapter_1_extended/jhxvkj7?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3