At a table laden with meat and seafood, my mother-in-law was the only person who left me with an empty plate: “We’ve run out of food for you.”

victory.

Only closure.

“I accept your apology,” I said firmly. “But forgiveness doesn’t mean I’m coming back. It doesn’t mean I’m going to pay off your debts, and it doesn’t mean I’m dropping the restitution claim against Daniel.”

She closed her eyes and nodded. “I understand.”

Before standing to leave, she looked at the photo again. “I will regret that empty plate for the rest of my life.”

“So will I,” I said. “But for very different reasons.”

The divorce was straightforward. With Paula representing me, there were no dramatic