Chapter 19
Adria watched silently.
She wanted Bernice to understand that an apology was not a magic word.
It did not erase the moment.
It did not erase the bruise.
It did not erase Callum's fear.
But Bernice seemed to understand.
“I don't expect you to forgive me,” she said.
Callum asked,
“Then why did you come?”
“Because I wanted to tell you the truth.”
“What truth?”
“I was wrong.”
Callum nodded.
He looked toward Adria.
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“Can Grandma stay for a little while?”
Adria looked at Bernice.
Bernice waited.
Adria nodded.
“She can.”
Callum turned back.
“You can sit there.”
He pointed to the chair across the room.
Bernice smiled sadly.
“I will.”
They sat in silence.
It wasn't comfortable.
May you like
But it was honest.
And honesty was a better beginning than pretending everything was fine.
