Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO STOPPED APOLOGIZING
Audrey's family dinner was held again three months later.
This time, nobody placed bets.
Nobody joked about her relationship status.
Her mother made roast chicken.
Her father grilled vegetables instead of steaks.
Ethan arrived early.
Audrey sat at the table and looked around.
Something felt different.
Not perfect.
But quieter.
Her father cleared his throat.
"Audrey, I've been thinking."
She looked up.
He continued.
"I've spent years making jokes about you being alone."
Audrey said nothing.
Richard swallowed.
"I thought it was harmless."
She looked at him.
"It wasn't."
He nodded.
"I know."
For the first time, he didn't defend himself.
He simply said:
"I'm sorry."
Audrey felt her eyes sting.
Her mother reached for her hand.
"We're proud of you."
Audrey smiled faintly.
Then said, "I'd like you to be proud of me even when I'm not fixing something."
Her mother began crying.
Ethan looked down.
Caleb nodded.
"That's fair."
May you like
Audrey laughed softly.
And for the first time in years, she finished dessert.
