Chapter 23 - Judith finally apologizes to Lily
Judith asked to visit.
I said:
“Only if Lily wants.”
Lily said:
“Grandma can come. Rachel can’t.”
Judith arrived with no gift.
Good choice.
She sat on sofa.
Lily remained beside me.
Judith said:
“I’m sorry I did not come to you after Rachel hit you.”
Lily asked:
“Why didn’t you?”
Judith’s eyes filled.
“I saw Rachel bleeding from her lip and reacted because she is my daughter.”
“I was crying.”
“I know.”
“Didn’t you hear?”
“Yes.”
That was difficult.
Judith continued:
“I made the wrong choice.”
No:
I was confused.
No:
Your mom started it.
Then Lily asked:
“Do I belong?”
Judith looked at Mark.
He did not rescue her.
She answered:
“Yes.”
“Because Mark married Mom?”
“Yes, and because we have built a relationship. But I also understand you get to decide how close you feel to us after what happened.”
That was better than:
Blood makes everything okay.
May you like
Lily allowed a hug at the end.
Not immediately.
