Chapter 14
The next morning, Adria woke to a phone call.
She stared at the screen.
Bernice.
For several seconds, she considered ignoring it.
Then she answered.
“Hello.”
There was silence.
“Adria.”
Her mother's voice sounded different.
Smaller.
“I know you're angry.”
Adria sat up.
“I'm not going to discuss this while Callum is listening.”
“He isn't there?”
“No.”
Bernice exhaled.
“Good.”
Adria waited.
“I want to apologize.”
“You already did.”
“I want to do it properly.”
Adria remained silent.
“I shouldn't have accused him.”
“No.”
“I shouldn't have hit him.”
“No.”
Bernice's voice cracked.
“I can't stop thinking about his face.”
Adria closed her eyes.
“Then remember it.”
Silence.
“Remember how frightened he was.”
“I will.”
“Because I won't allow anyone to hurt him and then pretend it didn't happen.”
“I understand.”
Adria looked toward the window.
“Do you?”
“I think I'm beginning to.”
That answer was more honest than Adria expected.
She didn't forgive her.
May you like
Not yet.
But she listened.
