Chapter 24 - ASHLEYBryce’s mother surprised me.
She came alone.
Six months after Christmas.
We met in a coffee shop.
She said:
“I blamed you because blaming you was easier than admitting I knew.”
My stomach tightened.
“Knew what?”
“That Bryce was getting worse.”
She had seen the counselor recommendations.
Argued with Grant about stopping therapy.
Lost.
Then let it go.
Why?
Walter.
Grant.
Family pressure.
Cost.
Bryce hated sessions.
All of it.
“I told myself the school was overreacting.”
She cried.
“Then Peyton got hurt.”
I did not rescue her.
After a while I asked:
“How is Bryce?”
“Better.”
“Actually?”
“Some days.”
Good answer.
“He asks about Peyton.”
“What does he say?”
“That he’s sorry.”
“Does he understand why he can’t contact her?”
“Mostly.”
I looked at her.
“Do not make Peyton responsible for making him feel forgiven.”
Ashley nodded.
May you like
“I won’t.”
That was the first time I believed we might someday occupy the same room again.
Related Stories
