Chapter 23
Bernice's relationship with Callum changed slowly.
She learned to ask instead of command.
She learned to listen.
She learned that being older did not automatically make her right.
One afternoon, she brought Callum a small wooden box.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Something for you.”
He opened it.
Inside was a photograph of Adria as a little girl.
Callum laughed.
“Mom looked funny.”
Adria, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.
“Excuse me?”
Callum laughed harder.
Bernice smiled.
For the first time in a long while, the three of them laughed together.
It was a small moment.
No ballroom.
No accusation.
No shouting.
No ring.
Just family.
Adria looked at her mother.
Bernice looked back.
Neither needed to say anything.
May you like
They both knew trust would take time.
But time had finally begun working in their favor.
