I wouldn’t have to feel embarrassed.”
“And instead?”
“Instead, I hurt the people who might have helped me.”
I looked at her.
“Yes.”
She lowered her eyes.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me immediately. I just want you to know that I understand why you’re angry.”
For the first time, her apology didn’t feel like a request for me to make her feel better.
It sounded like an acknowledgment of what she had done.
I reached across the table and touched her hand.
“I love you, Vanessa. But loving
