a bathrobe saying words I have never heard him say from the bench.”
Despite everything, I smiled.
Then her voice softened.
“Are you safe?”
The question nearly broke me.
She hadn’t demanded explanations or questioned my judgment.
She’d simply asked whether I was safe.
“He’s not here.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
I covered my mouth.
“I think so.”
“Are the babies safe?”
“Yes.”
“Are you leaving?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
One word.
No criticism.
No lecture.
No satisfaction.
I started crying and sank onto the nursery floor.
“I should have listened.”
