“I’m sorry about what I said on your porch.”
I took his hand.
“And I’m sorry I didn’t understand what you were dealing with.”
He looked at me.
“I should have been honest. I should have asked whether you could help instead of hoping you’d offer.”
I smiled sadly.
“Your father was never afraid to ask for help.”
Adam laughed softly.
“No. He really wasn’t.”
Then the laundry room door opened.
Renee walked into the kitchen with tears in her eyes.
She stopped in front of me.
“Joanne, I owe you an apology.”
I waited.
“I was frightened about my mother. I didn’t want you knowing our family was struggling. I convinced myself you’d judge us.”
“Renee, I’ve never looked down on your family.”
“I know that now.”
Her voice trembled.
“And instead of being honest, I pushed you away.”
I looked at her.
