slowly.
“I understand.”
“But eventually I got too busy.”
He looked at me.
I almost smiled.
“Hatred requires energy. You already took enough from me.”
He swallowed.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
“I mean it.”
“I know that too.”
He looked surprised.
Maybe he expected me to tell him his apology meant nothing.
It didn’t mean nothing.
It simply didn’t erase anything.
There is a difference.
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees.
“You built a good life.”
“We did.”
“The kids are incredible.”
“Yes.”
“You did that.”
I shook my head.
“No. A lot of people helped. Nora. Mrs. Henderson. Teachers. Friends. My employees. The kids themselves.”
I looked at him.
“But yes, I showed up.”
His eyes filled.
“I wish I had.”
For once, there was nothing I needed to say.
A moment later, the counselor opened the door.
Amara came out first.
Then Andy.
Then Ashton.
They were
