you were going to make us follow rules.”
I glanced at Melissa.
She looked away.
I crouched slightly so I was closer to Tyler’s height.
“Rules aren’t the reason I was upset.”
“What was?”
“Being treated like I didn’t matter.”
He didn’t know what to say.
So he simply nodded.
Then he whispered:
“I didn’t mean it.”
“I know.”
I stood up.
That was enough.
I didn’t need an apology from a nine-year-old.
The adults were another matter.
I unlocked the front door.
Everyone stared.
Mom asked quietly:
“Are we
