Chapter 18
Bernice came to Adria's home the following weekend.
She arrived alone.
No expensive dress.
No jewelry meant to impress anyone.
No commanding expression.
Just a simple coat and a nervous face.
Adria opened the door.
Bernice looked at her.
“May I come in?”
Adria stepped aside.
Callum was sitting on the couch.
When he saw Bernice, he immediately became still.
Bernice stopped several feet away.
She did not approach.
“I won't come closer unless you want me to.”
Callum looked at his mother.
Then at Bernice.
“Why did you hit me?”
Bernice's eyes filled with tears.
“I thought you stole something.”
“But you didn't know.”
“No.”
“Then why?”
Bernice sat down.
“Because I let my anger make the decision for me.”
Callum listened.
“I was wrong.”
He looked at her.
“You scared me.”
Bernice nodded.
“I know.”
“You hurt me.”
“I know.”
Callum looked down.
“I'm still mad.”
“You have every right to be.”
That answer surprised him.
He looked up.
May you like
Bernice didn't defend herself.
For once, she simply listened.
