I had imagined that one day I’d accomplish something impressive enough to earn their approval.
But losing Nora had changed me.
Raising Lily had changed me even more.
I no longer wanted to spend my life chasing people who only valued me when they believed I was worth something.
My father had apologized for taking my research.
My mother had admitted that she knew more than she had ever shared with me.
Vanessa had sent Lily an expensive designer dress with a handwritten card.
I returned it.
Not out of anger.
Because Lily didn’t need another dress.
She needed adults who understood why their words had hurt her.
And none of them had shown me that they truly did.
Grandma reached across the table.
“I’m sorry I didn’t protect you when you were younger.”
I took her hand.
“You protected Lily.”
She smiled sadly.
“I should have protected both of you.”
