Grace looked away.
“But that’s not the same as wishing I did.”
All three looked at me.
I leaned forward.
“Don’t confuse wanting to have the choice with wanting a different answer.”
Sophie broke down first.
He hugged me.
Grace followed her.
Emma held on to another three seconds before jumping into the heap.
I laughed against someone’s hair.
“You three are crushing me.”
“Good,” Emma murmured.
Apparently the revenge had finally arrived.
***
Back at home, Mom’s letter remained on the kitchen counter.
I had read every word.
Still, I didn’t have to say the last word to her.
The girls disappeared into the guest room.
Then there were noises of things colliding.
“What are you doing?”
“With no questions!” Sophie shouted.
A minute later, they returned marching carrying three plastic baskets for the clothes.
