CHAPTER 13: THE RECKONING
CHAPTER 13: THE RECKONING
Margaret Holloway was released from prison after serving eighteen months for fraud.
She was a shell of the woman she'd once been. Her hair was gray, her face was haggard, and her eyes were filled with hatred.
She came to the diner.
I was making coffee when I looked up and saw her standing at the door. Her clothes were cheap, her shoes were scuffed, and she looked like she hadn't eaten properly in weeks.
"Evelyn," she said. "We need to talk."
I set down the coffeepot.
"There's nothing to talk about."
"I've lost everything. My home. My family. My reputation. You did this to me."
"You did it to yourself."
"I just want a chance to make things right."
"Margaret, the only way you can make things right is to leave my family alone."
She started crying.
"Please. I'm begging you. Just give me something."
I looked at her.
"I'm sorry, Margaret. But I don't owe you anything."
She stood there for a moment, her tears turning to anger.
Then she turned and walked out of the diner.
May you like
I watched her go.
And I felt nothing.
