“You ask if school was good.”
Ryan stopped.
“You ask if I like Aunt Lina’s apartment.”
Silence.
“You ask if dinner tastes good.”
Her voice became smaller.
“You don’t ask if I’m mad.”
That hit him.
I saw it.
For once, Ryan didn’t immediately defend himself.
After a moment, he asked:
“Are you mad at me?”
Amelia nodded.
Once.
“Yes.”
Ryan looked down.
Then back at her.
“Okay.”
That surprised me.
No lecture.
No explanation about adult relationships.
No “you’ll understand when you’re older.”
Just:
Okay.
Then Amelia noticed me.
“Mom!”
She dropped the candle and ran.
I barely had time to crouch before she crashed into me.
“Mom.”
“I’ve got you.”Weddings
Her arms tightened around my neck.
“I ruined Dad’s wedding.”
“No.”
“I did.”
I pulled back.
“You got upset.”
