spoke.
Finally my mother stepped forward.
“We didn’t know.”
I almost laughed.
Of course they didn’t.
They never asked.
My father cleared his throat.
“That speech was impressive.”
I waited.
He shifted awkwardly.
“You did well.”
Still waiting.
Then it came.
Not quite an apology.
Not quite accountability.
But closer than he had ever gotten.
“I may have underestimated you.”
May have.
The words were almost funny.
I looked at him calmly.
“You did.”
Silence.
The truth landed heavily between us.
My mother’s eyes filled with tears.
“Amelia, we’re proud
